MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (September 2) conducted a follow-up operation against a beauty company suspected of engaging in aggressive commercial practices in the sale of skincare products and beauty devices. Following the arrests of a financial manager and an administrative manager of the company involved earlier, Customs officers today arrested a 22-year-old local female saleswoman of the company, who was suspected of violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (the Ordinance). The investigation is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Customs has received a total of 38 reports of the beauty company concerned to date, involving an aggregate amount of about $3 million.

Customs once again appeals to customers who suspect they have been subjected to such unfair trade practices to contact Customs as soon as possible.

Customs reminds traders that they must comply with the requirements of the Ordinance, and advises consumers to patronize reputable merchants. Consumers should remain calm before purchasing services or products. If they do not fully understand the product details and prices, or do not wish to make a purchase, they should firmly refuse to sign any sales documents or make any payments.

Under the Ordinance, any trader who uses harassment, coercion, or undue influence to restrict or impair a consumer’s freedom of choice or conduct, thereby causing the consumer to make a transactional decision, commits the offense of aggressive commercial practices. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Customs has always attached great importance to consumer rights protection and has zero tolerance for unfair trade practices, pledging to continue its stringent enforcement action against unscrupulous traders.

Members of the public who encounter unfair trade practices or suspect a trader has violated the Ordinance should report it as soon as possible by calling the Customs’ 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or via the crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (September 2) that it is investigating two confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) cases, and strongly urged high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations. Meanwhile, the public is advised to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with individuals suspected of contracting Mpox.

     The first case involves a 38-year-old male. He developed ulcers on his genital area on August 19. As his symptoms persisted, he sought medical treatment at a social hygiene service clinic (SocHS) under the DH on August 31. According to information provided by the patient, he had sexual contact with his male partner in Hong Kong during the incubation period.
 
     The second case involves a 34-year-old male. He developed a fever on August 27 and sore throat on August 29. He sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre on the same day and was admitted for treatment. He further developed rashes on various parts of his body, including his face, neck, trunk, limbs, buttock and genital area, on September 1. According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk exposure with three male strangers in Hong Kong during the incubation period.
 
     Both of their clinical specimens were tested positive for monkeypox virus upon laboratory testing by the CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. The CHP has arranged them to receive isolation treatment at hospitals. They are currently in stable condition. No epidemiological linkages between these cases or confirmed Mpox cases earlier recorded in Hong Kong have been identified so far. The CHP is continuing an epidemiological investigation of the cases, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with the patients and report the cases to the World Health Organization.

     Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 99 Mpox cases (79 local cases and 20 imported cases), including the above-mentioned cases. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.
 
     The Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for high-risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
 

1. individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
2. healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
3. laboratory personnel handling zoonotic pox viruses; and
4. animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.

 
     High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH’s SocHS (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH’s Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre, without prior appointments.

     Meanwhile, the DH’s Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority’s Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

     Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.

     For more details, please visit the CHP’s webpages on Mpox and Mpox Vaccination Programme. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today said the claim that its enforcement officers “identify a dog as a fighting dog at a glance” is entirely unfounded.

 

It clarified that the criteria adopted for identifying such dogs aligns with common international practice for identifying fighting dog types, adding that this meets scientific and professional standards and takes into full consideration the actual safety risks posed by the dog.

 

The department issued an explanatory note in light of recent suspected cases of fighting dogs being kept illegally. These case have aroused public concern and given rise to some misconceptions in the community.

 

Under the Dogs & Cats Ordinance and related regulations, importation, breeding, and unlicensed keeping of fighting dogs are prohibited.

 

A police officer or authorised AFCD officer who has reasonable grounds to suspect unlawful possession of a dog – for instance, an unlicensed fighting dog – has the authority to seize and detain the dog until it can be identified and for follow-up action to be taken. 

 

Generally speaking, officers will take a dog away for inspection and observation with the owner’s consent. Where the dog concerned does not pose an immediate danger and the owner is able to implement appropriate precautionary measures, the AFCD may allow the owner to bring the dog to an Animal Management Centre.

 

The AFCD urged members of the public to understand and co-operate with its enforcement actions to jointly maintain community safety.

 

As to the criteria for identifying fighting dogs, the AFCD said that before classifying a dog as a fighting dog, its veterinary officers will carefully observe a dog’s physical characteristics and proportions, its body structure, and other related features to assess whether it truly possesses the high-risk traits characteristic of fighting dog types.

 

Regarding suggestions that genetic testing should be used to identify such dogs, the AFCD said this is not the optimal method, as dogs carrying genes from fighting dog types do not necessarily develop all the physical characteristics and features of fighting dogs.

 

The current internationally common practice involves an identification standard that assesses dogs’ physicality and characteristics.

 

The AFCD said it will continue to monitor technological developments and study the latest genetic testing methods, with a view to considering the possibility of using these as auxiliary identification tools in the future.

 

Dog owners may consult a registered veterinarian or contact the AFCD for assistance if they are uncertain as to whether their pets fall into the fighting dog category.

 

As long as strict regulatory conditions are met, current legislation allows owners to continue keeping neutered fighting dogs, the AFCD added.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government has announced that the existing Commission on Poverty will be renamed as the Commission on Targeted Poverty Alleviation, highlighting its strategic direction and firm commitment to advancing poverty alleviation.

Chairing the new-term commission’s first meeting today, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said the current-term Government is committed to building a comprehensive poverty alleviation system and to providing a safety net through inclusive social services, encompassing housing, healthcare, education and social welfare. He added that it upholds a people-oriented approach, offering focused and effective support to those most in need.

Members noted that the last two terms of the commission targeted subdivided unit households, single-parent households and elderly households, and identified the difficulties and pain points of these groups by considering their unique characteristics.

The commission launched a series of targeted poverty alleviation measures tailored to these target groups, involving tripartite collaboration between the Government, the business sector and the community.

The new-term commission has determined that the targeted poverty alleviation strategy should be adjusted in response to changing societal needs. It will review the strategy and introduce a new target group so that more people requiring assistance can benefit.

Members also highlighted that the Government is preparing to establish a social welfare project matching platform, and aims to roll out the first round of matching activities this year. This initiative will help institutionalise the tripartite collaborative model to support vulnerable people, and will connect business resources with community welfare projects to provide innovative and targeted services for those in need.

The members also took note of officials’ reports on the work of the Community Care Fund and the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund, as well as the progress of various funded assistance programmes.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met the University Grants Committee (UGC) to exchange views on the latest developments in Hong Kong’s higher education sector.

The discussion focused on several key areas, including strengthening the integration of industry, academia and research through the Northern Metropolis University Town Area development. The meeting also covered building Hong Kong into an international education hub through national and global partnerships, as well as promoting the city’s leadership role in research, teaching and learning in the digital era.

UGC Chairman Tim Lui briefed Mr Lee on the committee’s latest strategic initiatives to reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international post-secondary education hub. These initiatives include organising high-profile summits and forums to facilitate forward-looking exchanges with global academic leaders and stakeholders.

Mr Lui noted that these events will explore how local higher education can align with national development priorities and Hong Kong’s strategic planning objectives, thereby showcasing the city’s academic achievements and promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand. He added that the UGC actively supports local institutions in nurturing local talent and attracting global talent.

Mr Lee thanked the UGC members for their advice and their ongoing efforts to enhance the internationalisation and diversification of UGC-funded universities. Highlighting Hong Kong’s widely recognised global standing, he stated that the development prospects for higher education in the city remain highly promising.

Mr Lee announced that the Government will soon release Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan to actively align with the National 15^th Five-Year Plan. This plan will advance core strategies such as accelerating the Northern Metropolis development, growing into an international innovation and technology centre, and building a hub for high-calibre talent.

The Government will adopt a town area concept for the Northern Metropolis University Town, integrating education, technology, talent, industry and urban development. Mr Lee emphasised that this approach will create a high-quality university town area that drives synergy in industry, academia and research.

He said that through digital transformation, deepening collaboration and international partnerships, the Government will consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a leading education hub, strive for research excellence and nurture future-ready talent.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong, Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit Stephen Wong, and Permanent Secretary for Education May Chan.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Lands Department announced today that a residential site in Ho Man Tin, included on the 2026-27 Land Sale List, will be sold by public tender from September 4 to October 2.

Located on Fat Kwong Street in Ho Man Tin, Kowloon Inland Lot No. 11301 is designated for private residential purposes.

The site area is about 5,170 sq m with a minimum gross floor area of 11,580 sq m and a maximum gross floor area of 19,300 sq m.

Both exclude the gross floor area of the government accommodations, which are a neighbourhood elderly centre sub-base and an integrated community centre for mental wellness sub-base, both of which are to be constructed by the purchaser under the conditions of sale.

The land sale documents will be available on the department’s website starting September 4.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hongkong Post announced today (September 2) that a set of special stamps and associated philatelic products on the theme of “Lingnan Craftsmanship – Guangcai (The Canton Famille Rose Porcelain) Making Technique” will be released for sale on September 17 (Thursday).
 
Guangcai, the shortened form of “Guangzhou painted porcelain” or “Canton Famille Rose Porcelain”, is one of the traditional craftsmanship of Lingnan culture. It involves painting patterns on pre-glazed white porcelain, followed by secondary firing. The technique dates back to the early Qing dynasty and was transmitted from Guangzhou to Hong Kong in the 1920s. In addition to conserving the traditional hand-painting technique and auspicious patterns, Guangcai produced in Hong Kong also incorporates local painting techniques and special motifs, hence the name Gangcai (Hong Kong painted porcelain). The Guangcai making technique was inscribed onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hong Kong in 2024. Hongkong Post will issue special stamps on the theme of “Lingnan Craftsmanship – Guangcai (The Canton Famille Rose Porcelain) Making Technique” to promote Lingnan craftsmanship and local intangible cultural heritage, showcasing the finesse of Hong Kong artisans that has been passed down through generations.
 
Official first day covers for “Lingnan Craftsmanship – Guangcai (The Canton Famille Rose Porcelain) Making Technique” will be on sale at all post offices and on Hongkong Post’s online shopping platform ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from tomorrow (September 3). This set of special stamps and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and on ShopThruPost from September 17, while serviced first day covers affixed with the special stamps will be available at philatelic offices only.
 
A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on September 17 at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address.
 
Information about this set of special stamps and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk).

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of September 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Italian Senate Vice President Gian Marco Centinaio. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Italian Parliament for its longstanding support of Taiwan’s international participation. He stated that in the face of continued authoritarian expansion, democratic countries should lend mutual support and safeguard democracy and peace. The president expressed hope that Taiwan and Italy will further deepen economic, trade, and industrial collaboration, and that the friendship both have built over the years will yield even more tangible results, opening a new chapter in their cooperation.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Senate Vice President Centinaio is an old friend of Taiwan, and this is his fifth visit. Two years ago, he and Senator Daniela Ternullo also traveled here to attend my and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao’s inauguration ceremony. I am pleased to meet and exchange views with them again, and I would like to thank the entire cross-party group of lawmakers present today for being part of the largest-ever delegation from the Italian Parliament to visit Taiwan. This visit reflects the Italian Parliament’s strong support for Taiwan.
Your strong support is evident in many areas, including cultural exchanges. After more than 20 years of effort over five parliamentary terms, the Italian Chamber of Deputies and Senate passed a bill this year protecting foreign artworks on temporary loan from seizure. This legislation will provide a solid legal foundation for Taiwan’s treasured cultural artifacts to be exhibited in Italy in the future.
Regarding international affairs, the Italian Chamber of Deputies’ Foreign Affairs Committee issued its first Indo-Pacific investigative report last year, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. A number of Italian senators have also repeatedly challenged China’s distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 through interpellation, and expressed support for Taiwan’s international participation. I would again like to express my deepest gratitude to the Italian Parliament, Senate Vice President Centinaio, and members of the Italy-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group for their longstanding efforts to speak up for and stand with Taiwan.
In the face of continued authoritarian expansion, it is only through mutual support that democratic nations can safeguard democracy and peace. During Italy’s G7 presidency in 2024, it deployed the aircraft carrier Cavour to the Indo-Pacific for the first time to participate in joint military exercises. Over the last two years, Italy has continued to deploy naval vessels to the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating its determination to uphold peace and stability in the region. Going forward, Taiwan will continue to work with Italy and other like-minded partners, not only to uphold the rules-based international order, but also to further expand economic, trade, and industrial collaboration.
As for Taiwan-Italy economic and trade relations, Italy is currently Taiwan’s fourth largest trading partner in the European Union, and our industries are highly complementary. Italy has strong capabilities in automobiles, design, and advanced materials, while Taiwan has well-developed industrial clusters in semiconductors, information and communications technology, and electronics manufacturing. This past June, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) led an economic and trade delegation to Milan, creating further opportunities for Taiwan and Italy to expand industrial cooperation.
With the support of our guests, I look forward to the friendship that Taiwan and Italy have built over the years yielding even more tangible results, bringing greater prosperity and development to both sides. I hope we can continue to work together to open a new chapter in Taiwan-Italy cooperation.
Senate Vice President Centinaio then delivered remarks, stating that the delegation, in size and composition, is the most significant delegation from Italy to visit Taiwan in recent years. He noted that it includes members of both the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, representing ruling and opposition parties and different regions across northern, central, and southern Italy. Thus, he said, the delegation is honored to represent the whole of Italy in visiting Taiwan.
Senate Vice President Centinaio indicated that Taiwan and Italy’s relationship extends beyond economic and trade ties from business. For both countries, he said, democracy is a fundamental principle, and exchanges are ultimately about advancing and protecting the interests of the people. He stated that members of the delegation have continued to promote this work in parliament, including passing the bill protecting foreign artworks on loan and consistently voicing support for Taiwan-Italy relations. He stated that this demonstrates many members of the Italian Parliament deeply believe in the friendship with Taiwan. Furthermore, he said, they hold an important conviction – that supporting Taiwan and helping maintain the status quo in the international community are vital to safeguarding democracy around the world.
Senate Vice President Centinaio stated that continued parliamentary and people-to-people exchanges are critical to achieving the goals shared by Taiwan and Italy. He remarked that Taiwan’s establishment of an additional representative office in Milan helps more Italians learn about Taiwan, and also contributes to the shared missions of promoting democratic values worldwide and moving forward together to achieve even more through cooperation in the years to come. Finally, he reiterated that Italy remains a friend of and stands with Taiwan.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Italian Economic, Commercial and Cultural Promotion Office in Taipei Representative Marco Lombardi.