MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Police today (May 28) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Lantau South.

A man surnamed Chan, aged 51, went missing after he was last seen on Lantau Trail – Section 8 in Lantau South Country Park yesterday (May 27) morning. His family made a report to Police today.

He is about 1.7 metres tall, around 70 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a round face with yellow complexion and short black curly hair. He was last seen wearing a pair of glasses, white long-sleeved shirt, beige trousers, black shoes and carrying a black backpack.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8039 or 9020 6543 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association (SCHSA) held a joint press conference today (May 28) to speak on the very hot weather and the latest developments of El Niño, and to advise the public to prepare for the very hot weather in summer.

The Acting Assistant Director of the HKO, Mr Choy Chun-wing, said, “Hong Kong’s weather has been persistently very hot over the past couple of days. Temperatures over many places rose to around 35 degrees this afternoon. Under the influence of an anticyclone aloft, it is expected that high temperatures will continue tomorrow (May 29) with extremely hot weather during the day. The maximum temperature in urban areas will rise to 35 degrees, while temperatures in the New Territories could reach 36 to 37 degrees. Members of the public should take adequate protective measures against the heat.” 

He further explained, “Since high temperatures may trigger convective development, there will be a few showers with isolated squally thunderstorms later tomorrow. A trough of low pressure is expected to bring showers and thunderstorms to the coast of southern China later tomorrow and on Saturday (May 30). There will still be a few showers on Sunday (May 31). Members of the public should beware of the change in weather. Under the influence of an easterly airstream and showers, high temperatures weather will be alleviated over the weekend.”
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Mr Choy further elaborated on the latest developments of El Niño, explaining that the sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific are expected to continue rising and that an El Niño event will develop during summer and autumn. The event is forecast to persist at least until the end of this year or early next year, reaching moderate intensity or above, or potentially stronger, and the probability of a strong El Niño event is gradually rising. A stronger El Niño event typically increases the likelihood of above normal temperatures over different regions of the world. Therefore, under the combined effect of climate warming and a stronger El Niño, Hong Kong is expected to be hotter than normal this year and next year, with a significantly higher annual mean temperature. There will be a high chance of reaching the warmest top 10 on record this year. For this summer, the HKO expects that the mean temperature will be above normal. Members of the public are advised to prepare for the very hot weather in summer. Those who are more vulnerable to heat stroke should pay special attention to prevent discomfort caused by the heat.

The Chief Executive Officer of the SCHSA, Ms Maura Wong, said, “The elderly are more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke during the height of summer. In 2024, the Association conducted a telephone survey, which found that, on average, nearly one in four elderly persons had felt unwell due to the heat, experiencing symptoms such as dizziness and breathing difficulties. Last summer alone, the Association handled more than 7 700 emergency assistance cases requiring hospitalisation. The Association urges the elderly to take precautions against the heat during the height of summer, and carers should also take a more proactive role in looking after the elderly by providing timely care and support.”

For more information on protection against the heat, please visit the following websites:
 

• The HKO on precautions of the Very Hot Weather Warning (www.hko.gov.hk/en/wservice/warning/coldhot.htm); 
• The Department of Health “Beware of Heat Stroke” (www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/90064.html); 
• The Labour Department “Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work”(www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm); and
• The Home Affairs Department on temporary heat shelters (www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/emergency_services/emergency.htm).

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu, together with all colleagues of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney, warmly welcomed President Yi-Chen Lan of Fu Jen Catholic University and his large delegation to the TAASA 2026 Annual Meeting, where President Lan shared his experiences in university governance over the past two years and his vision for the future.
In his welcoming remarks, DG Wu described President Lan as “a pride of Sydney,” praising his successful leadership of Fu Jen Catholic University, which he said has become Taiwan’s equivalent of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight universities. DG Wu also expressed special appreciation to TAASA President The Hon. Chris Rath MLC, Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, for attending the meeting during the parliamentary sitting period. He further thanked Mr Rath for supporting the bipartisan motion in the NSW Parliament opposing China’s distortion of UN Resolution 2758, making the NSW Parliament the first state parliament in the world to take such a position.
DG Wu also highlighted Taiwan’s indispensable role in global supply chains and noted that Taiwan is now Australia’s fourth-largest diesel import source, underscoring the importance of closer Taiwan–Australia cooperation. He added that TAASA continues to serve as an important platform for strengthening bilateral exchanges.
Hon. Chris Rath reflected on his two visits to Taiwan and emphasized the importance of cooperation between Taiwan and Australia as democratic partners. He praised Taiwan’s achievements in technology and healthcare, and stressed that Taiwan should be allowed to participate meaningfully in the WHO to contribute to the international community. He also welcomed the Fu Jen delegation and expressed hope for stronger Taiwan–Australia and Taiwan–NSW cooperation.
As keynote speaker, President Lan introduced Fu Jen Catholic University’s “GRACE” governance strategy, outlining the university’s holistic development in international education, outreach, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He reaffirmed Fu Jen’s commitment to becoming a leading university in Taiwan and globally through stronger international partnerships and cross-disciplinary engagement.
Special thanks were extended to TAASA members, Taiwanese-Australian academics, and President Lan and his delegation for their participation. We look forward to TAASA’s next inspiring event.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu attended the International Scholarship Presentation Ceremony at Macquarie University on behalf of Mrs Phyllis Lo, President of the Australia Taiwan Culture Foundation, together with CEO Edward Lin.
The event brought together nearly one hundred guests, including representatives from several foreign consulates, sponsoring organisations, academics, scholarship recipients, and their families, to celebrate the presentation of nearly twenty international scholarships.
DG Wu thanked Mrs Lo for her vision in establishing the Taiwan Travel Grant through Raby Bay Harbour, enabling Australian students to visit Taiwan, and commended Macquarie University for its continued support for Taiwan studies and academic exchange.
He also congratulated this year’s recipients, Tina Sandberg and Zoya Naqvi, and encouraged continued people-to-people exchange between Taiwan and Australia.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu, together with colleagues, attended the Dragon Boat Festival and birthday celebration luncheon hosted by the Australia 101 Senior Friendship Society.
DG Wu thanked President Hsieh Mei-feng for her dedicated efforts in managing the society and organizing its activities. Despite Sydney’s cool autumn weather and continuous rain, the gathering brought everyone together in a warm and homely atmosphere.
The society also invited 98-year-old “Mama Tang,” who shared her insights on healthy living and encouraged lifelong learning and active community engagement.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai receives credentials from new Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Kenton X. Chance
On the morning of May 28, President Lai Ching-te received the credentials of new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Kenton X. Chance. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope that Ambassador Chance’s deep-rooted connection to Taiwan will further deepen our nations’ cooperation in such fields as agriculture, infrastructure, information and communications technology, and medicine. This, he said, will help us realize our goal of mutual benefit and prosperity and allow the diplomatic ties between the two nations to continue developing steadily.
A translation of President Lai’s address follows:
I am delighted to receive the credentials from Ambassador Chance as he assumes his new post in Taiwan. On August 15 this year, we will mark 45 years of diplomatic relations between our two nations. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the people of Taiwan, I extend a sincere welcome to Ambassador Chance, whose appointment at such a significant moment will allow us to witness new milestones in our relations.
Ambassador Chance comes from a long career in journalism and communications. He possesses excellent academic and professional credentials. In fact, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Ming Chuan University, giving him a deep-rooted connection to Taiwan. I believe that with his assistance, diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to develop steadily.
Since establishing ties in 1981, our nations have enjoyed a profound and enduring bond. We continue to cherish this longstanding partnership as we embrace the future together. Our nations enjoy a fruitful cooperation in such fields as agriculture, infrastructure, information and communications technology, and medicine. Going forward, I believe we will build on existing cooperation in smart agriculture and smart medicine and continue to deepen and diversify our collaboration, helping us realize our goal of mutual benefit and prosperity.
I am extremely grateful to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for actively speaking up for Taiwan over many years at many international venues, including the United Nations General Assembly, World Health Assembly, International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. Such actions embody the priceless spirit of true friendship and mutual support. Moving ahead, we look forward to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continuing to support Taiwan’s international participation. This will allow Taiwan to use its expertise to make contributions to the international community and work with like-minded nations to enhance global well-being.
In closing, I once again welcome Ambassador Chance to Taiwan as he assumes his new post. Let us work together to further strengthen our diplomatic ties. I wish you all the best with your new duties as we propel bilateral relations to new heights.
Ambassador Chance then delivered remarks, first conveying assurances of unwavering respect and high esteem from King Charles III, King of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, greetings from Governor General Sir Stanley John, Prime Minister Godwin Friday, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, as well as greetings from the government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Ambassador Chance mentioned that his arrival in Taiwan this year as the Ambassador Designate of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the Republic of China (Taiwan) is six months short of 20 years after he arrived in 2006 as a recipient of a scholarship from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study Mandarin Chinese and to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree. He said he left Taiwan six years after that, in 2012, with an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Master of Arts in International Affairs, and that in the subsequent 13 years he pursued a career in journalism and mass communications, during which time he reported for major news outlets around the world. He noted that this work as a journalist resulted in Taiwan’s Ministry of Education recognizing him in 2022 with the Distinguished Taiwan Alumni Award.
Ambassador Chance mentioned that the education he received in Taiwan served him well, explaining that it highlights his deep understanding of the nature of the relationship that exists between our two nations. Noting that this year Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China (Taiwan) will celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations and that he also just turned 45 years old, he pointed out that he is as old as the relationship between our two nations, and so he considers it a special honor to be representing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Taiwan at this time.
Praising the first ambassador to Taiwan, Her Excellency Andrea Clare Bowman, for laying a solid foundation during her tour of duty, Ambassador Chance stated that he intends to build on that foundation, erecting pillars in support of a broader, expanded relationship. He also stated that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines values its relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan), and that their government stands ready to deepen and expand our relationship for the continued benefit of both our peoples and our countries.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today the reappointment of 57 members of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) Expert Group, and the appointment of Sonia Cheng, Hendrick Sin, Ling Yu-shih and Prof Anderson Shum as new Expert Group members. The term for all Expert Group members will run from May 30 until June 30 next year.

CEPU Head Stephen Wong thanked the Expert Group members for their active contributions and invaluable advice, as well as for their generous sharing of expertise and research findings, providing important references for the CEPU’s policy research work. He also expressed appreciation to the outgoing members for their contributions during their term of service, and welcomed the new members.

Mr Wong said interaction between the CEPU and Expert Group members continued to take various forms in the past year, including meetings, a “Fireside Chat with CEPU Experts” and written exchanges. In addition, Expert Group members were invited to participate in policy seminars related to the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme and the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme in order to provide professional perspectives, and served as external examiners for the two funding schemes.

“I look forward to maintaining close liaison and co-operation with Expert Group members, pooling professional expertise and wisdom in support of the Government in further deepening reform and improving people’s livelihood, thereby fully leveraging our strengths and working together to create a brighter future,” Mr Wong remarked.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Bill 2026 will be published in the Gazette tomorrow (May 29) to amend the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) to introduce specific offences and a presumption of fact provision to enhance enforcement against the mishandling of duty-exempt methyl alcohol (MA, also known as methanol).
 
     To promote Hong Kong’s development into a green maritime fuel bunkering centre, the Government adopts a two-stage approach to provide duty exemption for MA used as fuel in outbound vessels. The first stage was completed with the passage of the Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Regulation 2025 by the Legislative Council in October 2025, bringing the duty exemption into operation on October 17, 2025. The second stage involves amending the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance to enhance the enforcement efficacy of duty-exempt MA. 
 
     The Bill aims to introduce into the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance specific offences against the mishandling of duty-exempt, non-denatured MA, including using, selling, supplying or permitting the use, sale or supply of such MA other than for the specified exempted purpose. It also makes it an offence to not deliver duty-exempt non-denatured MA together with a note with a specified statement to remind recipients of the sole purpose of such MA. In addition, to enhance the effectiveness of enforcing the control of duty-exempt non-denatured MA, the Bill provides for a presumption of fact, specifying the facts establishment of which would lead to the presumption that certain non-denatured MA is dutiable, unless contrary evidence is available.
 
     A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “To support Hong Kong’s development into a green maritime fuel bunkering centre, the Government introduced legislative amendments last year to exempt MA for use as fuel in outbound vessels from duty, facilitating the development of MA bunkering in Hong Kong.The first two MA bunkering operations took place at anchorage and the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals respectively on March 5 and March 10, 2026.
 
     “In anticipation of the increase in volume of MA being bunkered in Hong Kong as its popularity as a green maritime fuel grows, we see the need for introducing the Bill to enhance the efficacy of enforcement against the mishandling of MA, upholding the integrity of the regime for controlling dutiable commodities, thereby fostering our development as a green maritime fuel bunkering centre.”
 
     The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on June 10.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region