MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     In support of the National Event on the Environment Day 2026 – initiated by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and jointly organised by Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), and the Macao SAR – and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) and the EPD will launch the Beautiful Hong Kong Green Fest in June. Centred on four main themes, namely “Beautiful Hong Kong”, “Public Participation”, “Waste Reduction and Recycling”, and “Green Technology”, the campaign features a series of diverse experiential and hands-on activities to deepen public understanding of environmental protection and to jointly build a beautiful Hong Kong.

“Beautiful Hong Kong”

     In collaboration with the EPD, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will offer free admission to Hong Kong Wetland Park on June 5, along with free public guided tours. In addition, green facility guided tours will be held from June 2 to 7, guiding members of the public to tour the waste-to-energy facility T·PARK to understand its operation, the kNOw Carbon House to deepen their knowledge of carbon neutrality, and the Long Valley Nature Park for on-site visit to closely explore Hong Kong’s precious natural ecology.

     Meanwhile, the EPD will organise ecological guided tours in June to showcase Hong Kong’s efforts in marine ecological protection. The tours will visit Mirs Bay, which was previously selected as an “Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays”, allowing participants to appreciate the scenery of the beautiful bay, characterised by “clear water and clean beaches, thriving marine life, and harmonious coexistence between humans and the sea”.

     To enhance students’ understanding of environmental protection, the EPD will partner with Ocean Park to launch on-site and school outreach activities. Through interactive games and close-range observation of the characteristics of giant pandas and marine life, these activities will provide students with opportunities for self-directed learning and exploration of nature.

“Public Participation”

     The EPD and the AFCD will mobilise the community for city-wide participation by organising coastal and wilderness clean-up activities on June 6 and 7. On June 6, the EPD will participate in China’s joint eco-environmental volunteer service campaign in coastal provinces (regions and municipalities), where Hong Kong will carry out coastal clean-up actions in synchronisation with various provinces and cities on the Mainland. On the following day (June 7), the AFCD will hold clean-up activities in country parks and Hong Kong Geopark. By participating in these coastal and wilderness clean-ups, the public can experience the connection between environmental pollution and daily life, thereby promoting waste reduction at source and marine conservation. At the same time, the EPD will collaborate with primary and secondary schools, organisations, tertiary institutions, uniform groups, and non-governmental organisations to organise environmental-related activities to raise awareness of environmental protection across all sectors of society.

“Waste Reduction and Recycling”

     The EPD will roll out a series of publicity and educational activities for Recycling Day, including community engagement activities, co-operative partner promotions, and a creative short film competition, with a view to encouraging public participation in waste reduction at source and waste separation and recycling, and to embedding a green living culture into the community. Members of the public who recycle at the community recycling network GREEN@COMMUNITY during the period from June 5 to 7 will earn double GREEN$ points to encourage them to continue practising green living.

“Green Technology”

     The EPD will set up a limited-offer roadshow showcasing various environmental monitoring technology products at GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations, enabling the public to understand how the Government utilises innovative technology to enhance the effectiveness of environmental management, and to experience the practical application of technology firsthand.

     An EPD spokesperson said, “The SAR Government calls on members of the public to actively participate in the various activities of the Beautiful Hong Kong Green Fest. We hope that these activities will raise public and community awareness of environmental protection, contributing to the building of a Beautiful China and a Beautiful Hong Kong. We express our gratitude to public and private organisations, tertiary institutions, and non-governmental organisations for their active support and promotion of environmental protection work.”

     Apart from the aforementioned activities, the EPD will arrange to broadcast promotional videos of the documentary series “Beautiful Hong Kong” through various platforms and host green seminars during the festival. For event details and booking arrangements, please visit the webpage www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/news_events/events/hk_green_fest_2026.html.

     The United Nations designated June 5 as World Environment Day in 1972, aiming to raise public awareness of environmental protection and calling on governments worldwide to address environmental problems. In recent years, authorities including the MEE and the Central Office of Spiritual Civilization Construction have joined local governments regularly to organise the National Event on the Environment Day, which has become an important platform to showcase achievements in promoting the development of a Beautiful China across the country and to mobilise people from all walks of life to participate in the promotion of ecological civilisation. Under the guidance of the MEE, the National Event on the Environment Day 2026 will be jointly organised by Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong SAR, and the Macao SAR under the theme “Comprehensive Green Transition and Jointly Build a Beautiful China” to actively integrate into the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (May 21) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for April 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.7% in April 2026 over the same month a year earlier, the same as that in March 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in April 2026 was 1.6%, also the same as that in March 2026.
  
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of change in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending April 2026 was 0.0%, and that for the 3-month period ending March 2026 was 0.2%. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of change were both 0.1%.

Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.7% respectively in April 2026, as compared to 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.8% respectively in March 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.4%, 1.7% and 1.6% respectively in April 2026, as compared to 1.4%, 1.6% and 1.7% respectively in March 2026.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending April 2026, the average monthly rates of change in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were -0.1%, 0.1% and 0.1% respectively. The corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending March 2026 were 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of change in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending April 2026 were 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.1% respectively, and the corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending March 2026 were all 0.1%.

Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in April 2026 for electricity, gas and water (5.5%), miscellaneous services (4.5%), transport (4.3%), miscellaneous goods (2.6%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (2.3%), housing (1.0%), meals out and takeaway food (0.8%), and basic food (0.5%).

On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in April 2026 for durable goods (-1.9%), and clothing and footwear (-0.3%).

Taking the first 4 months of 2026 together, the Composite CPI rose by 1.6% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.5%, 1.6% and 1.6% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.4%, 1.2%, 1.5% and 1.5% respectively.

For the 3 months ending April 2026, the Composite CPI rose by 1.8% over the same period a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.8% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.6%, 1.3%, 1.7% and 1.7% respectively.

For the 12 months ending April 2026, the Composite CPI on average rose by 1.4% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.6%, 1.3% and 1.2% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.2%, 1.2%, 1.1% and 1.1% respectively.

Commentary

A Government spokesman said that the underlying Composite CPI rose by 1.6% in April over a year earlier, same as the preceding month. Prices of fuel-related components accelerated further, yet price pressures on other components were in check, thus keeping overall inflation moderate.

Looking ahead, as international oil prices remain elevated, the corresponding feed-through process to fuel-related components in consumer prices should continue in the coming months. The final impacts would hinge on the evolving situation in the Middle East. Yet, price pressures from other fronts are generally contained, which should help rein in the potential upward pressure on overall inflation. The Government will continue to monitor the development closely and will respond further as appropriate to safeguard price stability.

Further information

The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for April 2026 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.

More detailed statistics are given in the “Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1060001&scode=270).

Following established practice, C&SD reviews and updates the expenditure weights of the CPIs annually. In this round of annual review, C&SD has incorporated the results of the 2024/25 Household Expenditure Survey to comprehensively update the expenditure weights. Starting from the reference month of April 2026, the updated 2025 expenditure weights have been adopted in the compilation of the CPIs. This update aims to better capture recent changes in household consumption patterns, ensuring that the CPIs can more accurately reflect the inflation experienced by consumers, and fully aligns with international recommendations.

For enquiries about the CPIs, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk). 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs on April 27 seized about 5 000 suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $2.6 million at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

Based on risk assessment, Customs examined an inbound air cargo consignment from the Middle East region, at the Customs Cargo Examination Compound at HKIA. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected counterfeit goods therein, including pens, jerseys, handbags, glasses and watches.

An initial investigation revealed that the batch of suspected counterfeit goods would have been transshipped to overseas regions.

Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action against counterfeit goods and smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets Canadian Conservative Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Michael Chong  
On the afternoon of May 20, President Lai Ching-te met with Michael Chong (莊文浩), conservative shadow minister for foreign affairs and vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development of the House of Commons of Canada. In remarks, President Lai thanked Canada for backing Taiwan’s international participation and expressed his utmost respect for Vice-Chair Chong’s staunch defense of democracy and human rights. The president said that Taiwan and Canada have in recent years deepened cooperation in such areas as trade and the economy, technology, health, and security, and expressed hope of continuing to institutionalize bilateral cooperation. He also expressed hope that Taiwan can work with democratic partners to resist authoritarian expansion, so as to create a more democratic and prosperous future.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Vice-Chair Chong, who is visiting us once again. I remember vividly meeting with the vice chair three years ago, when he brought us a precious gift – the House of Commons report entitled Canada and Taiwan: A Strong Relationship in Turbulent Times. The report emphasizes that “the PRC has a ‘one China principle’ that is markedly different from Canada’s ‘one China policy’” and maintains that “the future of Taiwan must only be the decision of the people of Taiwan.”
Furthermore, Vice-Chair Chong introduced a motion in the House of Commons declaring China’s actions against the Uyghurs to be genocide. For this, he was sanctioned by the Chinese government, thus becoming a victim of transnational repression and foreign interference. Over the years, he has been a staunch defender of democracy and human rights and remains undaunted by authoritarian coercion. For this, I would like to express my utmost respect. At the same time, thanks to Vice-Chair Chong’s firm support, Taiwan-Canada relations have grown closer over the past three years. I would like to thank Canada’s House of Commons for unanimously passing a motion two years ago backing Taiwan’s international participation and rejecting China’s distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758.
Last year, Canadian lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties spoke in the House and stood by our delegation at an international press conference to emphasize that Taiwan’s participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) would bring important contributions to global aviation safety.
Moreover, over the past three years, Taiwan and Canada have signed numerous agreements and MOUs to advance bilateral investment, technological innovation, and health cooperation, and to combat illegal maritime activities. These efforts have laid an even stronger foundation for bilateral exchanges and collaboration.
In particular, Taiwan and Canada have complementary economic and industrial structures. I hope that by combining Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturing and Canada’s innovative AI technologies, we can continue to institutionalize bilateral economic, trade, and technological cooperation and create business opportunities that benefit the people of both countries. I also look forward to Canada’s support for Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), so that we can jointly contribute to regional prosperity and development.
In closing, I once again thank Vice-Chair Chong for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Taiwan and for not bowing to external pressure. This demonstrates his staunch support and that Taiwan and Canada are showing the world that the democratic alliance is determined to work together to resist authoritarian expansion. Global democracy is stronger when we stand together. Let us work hand in hand to create a more democratic and prosperous future.
Vice-Chair Chong then delivered remarks, saying it is good to see President Lai after three years. He then congratulated President Lai on the second anniversary of his inauguration. He pointed out that there is a bipartisan consensus in Canada on support for Taiwan. He said that the purpose of his trip is twofold: First, to show solidarity with Taiwan, which, like Ukraine, is a democracy on the front lines of threats from authoritarian states; and second, to assert Canadian sovereignty. He elaborated on the second purpose, saying that China’s ambassador to Canada recently said that Canadian MPs should no longer travel to Taiwan, which is a long-standing practice of MPs regardless of party. He emphasized that he is in Taipei to say that Canadian MPs do not take direction from a foreign government as to where they travel internationally.
Vice-Chair Chong stated that solidarity with Taiwan is also the long-standing position of Canada, and that any cross-strait discussions must be done by both parties in a voluntary, non-coercive way, through dialogue and discussion and not through threats and violence. He also stated that they support Taiwan’s aspirations to participate in international fora and in international events taking place around the globe, which is why they have long called for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly and why they also support Taiwan’s participation in other international fora, such as those being hosted by ICAO.
Vice-Chair Chong stated that they are opposed to the weaponization of those organizations by Beijing. He noted that they in Canada have been subjected to misuse of organizations such as INTERPOL, which is why they always have to be on guard to ensure that these international fora and these international organizations are not used against free societies and democracies. He expressed their belief that in order to maintain peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, Canada and Taiwan must continue the dialogue, the visits, and the deepening and broadening of ties, which is what the two sides have done in recent decades.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Executive Director Marie-Louise Hannan. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Overall consumer prices rose 1.7% year on year in April, same as that in March, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.6% in April, also the same as that in March.

Compared with April 2025, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in the following categories: electricity, gas and water; miscellaneous services; transport; miscellaneous goods; alcoholic drinks and tobacco; housing; meals out and takeaway food; and basic food. 

Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were logged for durable goods as well as clothing and footwear.  

The Government said despite prices of fuel-related components accelerating further, price pressures on other components were in check, thus keeping overall inflation moderate.

Looking ahead, the Government said elevated international oil prices will likely continue to gradually feed through to relevant components in consumer prices in the near term, with the final impacts hinging on the evolving situation in the Middle East.

However, the price pressures from other fronts generally stay contained, which should help rein in potential upward pressure on overall inflation.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced today (May 19) the official opening of the AI Robotics Innovation & Development Center (ARIDC) at the Industrial Technology Research Institute’s (ITRI) Liuja Campus. Jointly established by the MOEA, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), and the National Development Council (NDC), the center focuses on integrating and validating critical smart robotics technologies. It will actively target four major application sectors: healthcare, logistics, food services, and disaster response, aiming to become a pivotal hub connecting international startups with domestic industries and research institutions to expand Taiwan’s robotics ecosystem. By linking the NSTC’s National Intelligent Robotics Research Center in Shalun and the intelligent robotics industry cluster in Liuying, the new facility will form Tainan’s “AI Industry Golden Triangle,” boosting competitiveness and helping Taiwanese suppliers secure a vital position in the global robotics supply chain.

Ho Chin-tsang, Political Deputy Minister of the MOEA, stated that following the Executive Yuan’s approval of the Intelligent Robotics Industry Promotion Program under the New Ten Major AI Constructions initiative, the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) allocated NT$3 billion over four years to support ITRI in building this national-level center.

The facility is designed around three strategic pillars. First, it targets four vertical sectors-healthcare, logistics, food services, and disaster response-providing developers with system integration, AI perception, critical module development, and site validation capabilities. This will strengthen core software-hardware systems and simulation platforms for service robots, shortening the path from lab to market.

Second, the center engages industry partners from the early stages of technology and business development, accelerating commercialization.

Third, by integrating key technologies and linking the Liuja and Shalun campuses, it assists companies with customized site validation and optimization to accelerate product launches, enabling Taiwanese firms to transition from component suppliers to comprehensive solution providers.

The center leverages ITRI’s deep R&D capabilities, positioning demonstration sandboxes and startup incubation as core missions. It offers robust validation and testing environments to help startups and small and medium-sized enterprises commercialize technologies. It also serves as an accelerator, providing dedicated incubation spaces and high-end GPU computing power capable of executing multiple complex simulations, including Universal Scene Description (USD) frameworks, real-time ray-tracing rendering, and intricate digital twin physics modeling. In business operations, the accelerator provides team formation, commercial strategy development, market positioning, and connections with corporate investors and National Development Fund (NDF) venture capital resources, helping local startups scale into mid- to large-sized enterprises.

The MOEA has long invested scientific resources to drive technological R&D and industrial transformation in southern Taiwan. Through ITRI’s Southern Region Campus, the ministry established a laser R&D base and established the Southern Taiwan Innovation Park, helping more than 400 local companies upgrade their technology and develop compound semiconductor capabilities over the past three years. Building on this foundation, the new center focuses on AI and smart robotics to create an innovation ecosystem collaboration. By connecting Tainan’s Shalun facility and the Liuying cluster into the “AI Industry Golden Triangle,” it will integrate components, AI models, and complete system services. This will foster collaboration among industry, academia, and research, accelerate mass production, strengthen the localization of R&D takes root in southern Taiwan for balanced regional development, and continuously promote high-quality “Made in Taiwan” smart robotics solutions to strengthen Taiwan’s role in the global AI supply chain.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki yesterday led a delegation to visit Bildungscampus Heilbronn in Germany to gather insights for developing the Northern Metropolis University Town.

The delegation included members of the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town and presidents of member institutions of the Alliance of Universities of Applied Sciences.

Bildungscampus Heilbronn is an integrated university town in southern Germany that brings together academic institutions, applied research centres and industrial networks. It serves over 8,500 students, researchers, industry experts and entrepreneurs.

The delegation toured campus facilities and visited Campus Founders, a start-up and co-innovation hub, to learn about its experience in fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem through start-up incubation, networking and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The delegation also exchanged views with a local government representative and staff from member institutions, including the Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich and the Technical University of Munich. Discussion topics included institutional positioning, development strategies, management experience, collaboration models and government involvement in campus development.

Mr Chan said the campus successfully aligns academic research with regional economic development, offering practical insights for the planning, development and positioning of Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis University Town.

He pointed out that universities of applied sciences play a key role in the campus’s ecosystem by promoting industry-education integration and cultivating applied talent. This balance of curriculum design, cutting-edge research and practical applications provides an invaluable international reference for Hong Kong. 

The Chief Secretary departed for Hong Kong today after concluding his visit to Germany.