MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force took enforcement actions in Eastern District today (November 18) and arrested a 68-year-old man for being suspected of “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention”, in contravention of Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and “engaging in illegal conduct to incite another person not to vote, or to cast invalid vote, by activity in public during election period” in contravention of Section 27(A) of the Cap. 554 Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance (ECICO).

Investigation revealed that the arrested person was suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intentions on online social platforms, with content provoking hatred towards the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies, and to incite others not to vote or to cast invalid vote in an election.

Police conducted searches at the residence of the arrested person with court warrant, and seized some electronic communication devices that had been used to disseminate messages with seditious intention. The arrested person is being detained for further enquiries.

Police condemn the acts of the person concerned and reiterate that publishing texts with seditious intention and calling upon others not to vote or to cast invalid votes in an election are serious offences. For the offence of “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention”, offenders shall be liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment. According to the ECICO, any person who publicly incites another person not to vote or to cast invalid votes during an election is liable on conviction to a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of HK$200,000. Members of the public are urged not to defy the law.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Police’s National Security Department took enforcement actions in Eastern District today and arrested a 68-year-old man for “knowingly publishing publications that had a seditious intention” in contravention of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and “engaging in illegal conduct to incite another person not to vote or to cast invalid vote by activity in public during election period” in contravention of the Elections (Corrupt & Illegal Conduct) Ordinance.

Investigations revealed that the man was suspected of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intention on online social platforms, with content provoking hatred towards the Government, the Judiciary and law enforcement agencies, and to incite others not to vote or to cast an invalid vote in an election.

Police conducted searches at his residence with a court warrant and seized some electronic communication devices that had been used to disseminate messages with seditious intention. The arrestee is being detained for further enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met Nobel Memorial Prize laureates in Economic Sciences in 2001, Joseph E Stiglitz and Michael Spence, to discuss topics such as the economy, innovation and technology (I&T), and education.

Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip, and Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit Stephen Wong also attended the meeting.

Mr Lee welcomed the two Nobel laureates to Hong Kong to attend the International Forum on China’s Economy & Policy 2025 held at the Central Government Offices today, where the scholars shared their insights on the economic development of the world, the country and Hong Kong.

Delivering welcoming remarks at the forum, Mr Lee said under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys both national and global opportunities, adding that Hong Kong remains committed to building bridges for a world of mutual opportunity amid economic uncertainty.

“We hold fast to the belief that free trade is the answer to boosting global output,“ the Chief Executive said, adding, “Hong Kong, after all, is China’s most internationalised city. We offer the world a market-friendly business environment, replete with business and investment advantages unmatched by any other city anywhere in the world. We are working now, proactively, to align ourselves with the 15th Five-Year Plan, fulfil Hong Kong’s responsibilities and seize the plentiful opportunities there for us.”

Mr Lee also met the two laureates at the Chief Executive’s Office.

Mr Spence, a member of the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers on Innovation & Entrepreneurship, expressed cautious optimism about Hong Kong’s development under the current administration.

He noted that Hong Kong has successfully navigated its most challenging period, including external doubts surrounding the National Security Law.

“One, you had a major batch of global CEOs in finance here. So they clearly not abandoned you. So that part, which is a historical strength of the city, seems to be pretty firmly in place. And I think the economy is diversifying. A Greater Bay Area.”

Mr Stiglitz was also upbeat about Hong Kong’s outlook.

“A place where there is a common law, rule of law, English as a language. That is important if you are as a bridge between China and the rest of the world. I think having a flexible, agile bridge is going to be more important in a world which is more volatile.”

The Nobel laureates also highlighted the immense potential of artificial intelligence (AI).

“Most of the discussion of AI that I hear rapidly goes to jobs and tasks and stuff. One of the really striking things is the use of AI to manage very complex systems, like smart grids, like complex supply chains.

“Because Hong Kong is not only a financial centre but it is a kind of gigantic marketplace, it probably got applications here,” said Mr Spence.

Mr Lee said he was pleased that the two scholars are optimistic about Hong Kong’s development prospects, recognise its notable strengths in education and I&T, and support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s various strategic plans of diversifying investments, exploring emerging markets, and further deepening collaborative developments in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) to seize opportunities.

The Chief Executive noted that Hong Kong enjoys the dual advantage of having national and global opportunities under the “one country, two systems” principle and will continue to play the roles of a super connector and super value-adder, connecting the Mainland with the world, fully integrating into the overall national development and actively dovetailing with GBA developments.

He pointed out that as one of the bay area’s core cities, Hong Kong plays a vital role in driving regional development. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to collaborate with GBA cities in strengthening connectivity and enhancing the flow of people, goods, data and capital, with a view to further encouraging and supporting enterprises and talent to grasp development opportunities in the GBA.

Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong is the world’s freest economy, which attracts global capital and top talent, and has maintained its position of third globally and first in Asia Pacific as an international financial centre, according to the newly published Global Financial Centres Index.

Hong Kong is the only city worldwide that hosts five universities ranked among the world’s top 100, and its ranking leapt to fourth globally in the newly published World Talent Ranking 2025, marking its highest-ever ranking.

The Hong Kong SAR Government is actively accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town and promoting the “Study in Hong Kong” brand to further develop the city into an international hub for post-secondary education and high-calibre talent, Mr Lee said.

Noting that the world is undergoing unprecedented changes at an accelerating pace and facing global economic uncertainties, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government is continuously seeking new growth opportunities.

Among these, the Northern Metropolis being developed at full steam serves as a new engine for Hong Kong’s economic growth, boasting significant development potential and economic value. It is expected to create more jobs and enhance productivity for Hong Kong.

At the same time, Mr Lee iterated, the Hong Kong SAR Government is vigorously promoting I&T, artificial intelligence, and related industries, while advancing the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, and fostering the integrated development of education, technology, and talent to develop Hong Kong into an international I&T centre with a view to contributing to the country’s high-quality development.

The International Forum on China’s Economy & Policy was held by the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, the National Academy of Economic Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the Chinese Institute of Hong Kong.

The forum brought together more than 20 experts, academics, business leaders and government officials from overseas, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong to deliver presentations.

The speakers Integrated the latest dynamics and trends of global transformations, examined the impacts and challenges faced by the global economy, and focused on key topics such as the nation’s economic development strategy during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, sustainable development models for regional economic co-operation in the world, and how Hong Kong can enhance its international competitiveness and contribute to future global economic development in the evolving landscape.

Mr Lee and member of the Leading Party Members’ Group and Secretary-General, Chinese Academy of Social Science Zhao Zhimin, delivered welcoming remarks at the forum.

There were three panel discussion sessions, focusing on global significance of China’s new development plan; the new development landscape of Hong Kong; and the integrated symbiosis of regional economies in the world.

Around 600 participants attended the forum, including experts, academics and personnel from overseas institutions in Hong Kong as well as representatives from think tanks, the business sector, professional bodies, and local and foreign chambers of commerce.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

CLP Power and Hongkong Electric Company (HK Electric) will reduce their average net tariff by 2.6% to 140.6 cents per kWh and 2.2% to 163.3 cents per kWh respectively with effect from January 1, 2026, following negotiations with the Government, the Environment & Ecology Bureau announced today.

Secretary for the Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan said that based on the two power companies’ estimates, a typical three-member family household with monthly consumption of 275kWh will pay around $10 less each month compared to the approved rates for 2025 after the tariff adjustment.

After rounds of negotiations, the two power companies agreed to lower the average net tariff. CLP Power will reduce next year’s basic tariff to a level lower than the projected level under its five-year Development Plan, while HK Electric’s basic tariff remains consistent with the projected level.

Noting that the Government’s energy policy objectives are to ensure the public enjoy a safe, reliable and environmentally friendly electricity supply at reasonable costs, Mr Tse emphasised the gate-keeping role it plays in accordance with the Scheme of Control Agreements.

“Notwithstanding a minor reduction in average net tariff next January, we encourage the public to cultivate a green living style and select energy efficient electrical appliances for environmental protection, which will further reduce electricity expenditure and carbon emissions, and protect the environment.”

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[Editor’s Note- The following is a Press Statement from Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt justifying why the Samoa Observer newspaper is temporarily suspended from attending his weekly Press Conferences.

The temporary suspension also applies for Ministers of Cabinet.]

PRESS STATEMENT FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

[17th November 2025] – It has been nine weeks since the FAST Government assumed office. During this period, I have been abroad in New Zealand receiving medical treatment for the past eight weeks. I wish to address recent media coverage relating to my absence and other matters.

Over this time, I have observed several reports, particularly from the Samoa Observer, that have raised concerns regarding accuracy and fairness.

While I strongly support the principles of the public’s right to information and freedom of the media, it is important that reporting adheres to ethical standards and responsible journalism practices, given the significant role and influence media plays in informing our community.

I would like to highlight some specific instances for clarity:

a) In a week after my being in New Zealand, an editorial suggested a perceived division between myself and the Deputy Prime Ministers, which appeared to be aimed at creating discord during my absence.

b) An article regarding the chair I used during a meeting with the New Zealand Foreign Minister, which was flagged as fake. I sought clarification from the publication, but no supporting evidence was provided to the public.

c) An article quoting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggesting I was advised not to meet foreign leaders while under medical leave. This information seems to have been leaked, and its portrayal was aimed at undermining my authority as Prime Minister.

d) An incorrect follow up article reporting a meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and the CEO of Foreign Affairs and the CEO of the Prime Minister, allegedly to discuss the advice for me not to engage in meetings while on medical leave.

The incorrect article was officially corrected by the MPMC Chief Executive labelling it as a “phantom meeting” because it never took place.

Secondly the newspaper reporter never sought comments from the government officials implicated to verify if the report was factual and correct.

A correction was requested but to date the Samoa Observer has failed to publish a correction or retraction.

e] Most recently, on Saturday, 16 November, after returning home, I experienced an invasion of my privacy when three newspaper reporters and photographers trespassed and accessed my private residence without invitation, despite being stopped by police at the gate. Their approach was rude, arrogant, and invasive and lacked respect for personal privacy.

While I recognise the competitive nature of the media, it is vital however that this does not come at the expense of accuracy, fair, factual and responsible journalism, especially given the influence media has on public perception and trust.

There have been cases where stories have been published without sufficient factual verification or a chance for those involved to respond, which I believe is fundamental to fair reporting.

Given that the media operates within a self-regulatory framework and has a Media council, I hope the Council can examine these concerns and consider how these issues can be addressed to promote responsible journalism and uphold the standards we expect from our media.

In the light of these experiences, I have decided to temporarily suspend this newspaper from my press engagements starting today.

I remain committed however to a free and vibrant press. But it is essential that media outlets uphold standards or ethical journalism, respect, and fairness. Our cultural value of fa’aaloalo- respect-is central to our society, and I encourage the media to reflect this in their approach.

I am hopeful that these concerns will be acknowledged, and I remain open to reconsidering this decision should the media demonstrate a renewed commitment to responsible and factual reporting.

Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt

PRIME MINISTER

November 18, 2025

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Peer-to-peer exchange aims to strengthen governance, leadership, and digital systems for smarter development.

[PRESS RELEASE- – Four officials from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) are heading to Canberra, Australia, from 17–21 November for a peer-to-peer learning mission with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

This collaboration is all about sharing knowledge and driving innovation to strengthen national statistical systems. SBS and ABS will exchange ideas on leadership development, organizational reforms and practices, capacity building, statistical governance, data management and use of cutting-edge digital identity systems. ABS is widely recognized as one of the region’s leading statistical agencies, and this partnership offers Samoa a chance to learn from the best while showcasing its own progress.

SBS plays a critical role in shaping Samoa’s development and future through official statistics and digital systems, including the National Digital Identification System (NDIDS) and Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS). The Bureau is currently reviewing the Samoa Statistics Strategy 2022-2026 and the Statistics Ac 2015, ensuring Samoa’s data systems remain robust and future-ready.

“This partnership is a milestone for Samoa’s statistical system,” said Leota Ali’ielua Salani, Government Statistician.

“By learning from ABS’s experience and sharing our own, we aim to build stronger governance, embrace innovation, and ensure data continues to drive informed decisions for Samoa’s development.”

Looking ahead, both agencies are exploring a 3-year exchange program to strengthen governance, improve data integration, and advance innovative statistical practices.

This initiative is part of the Government of Samoa and Government of Australia’s Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program, which focuses on building governance and institutional capacity. It follows a successful twinning between Samoa’s Ministry of Finance and Australia’s Department of Finance from 4-8 August 2025 in Canberra.

The Samoa Law Reform Commission will also undertake a similar peer-learning visit from 17–28 November, hosted by the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Victorian Law Reform Commission in Melbourne.

END.

November 18, 2025

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KEYNOTE SPEECH by the Honourable Acting Prime Minister Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo

Deacon Tolutasi Pa’ia’aua, Reverend of the Shrine of the Three Hearts, Vaoala Parish

Your Highness the Head of State of Samoa

Honorable Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament,

Chairman International Tag Federation

Chairman of the Samoa Tag Board of Directors

Executive Board of SASNOC and Sports in Samoa,

Chief Executives Officers, Government Ministries

The Private Sectors

Partners in Sports,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Talofa Talofa Talofa lava!!

Thank you for joining this official joint announcement and launch by the Government of Samoa and the International Tag Federation of Samoa’s inaugural participation as an independent Pacific nation at the 2026 Tag World Cup.

The Government of Samoa is deeply proud. Congratulations to Samoa Tag — your perseverance over the past two years has brought us to this moment. You have shown that Tag is a sport for all in Samoa through the clinics in Falealupo, Savai‘i, the Tag for Kids programme and by staging strong local competitions that have reached hundreds of participants. You have worked hard to give Samoa’s Tag athletes real international experience by competing in regional tournaments and the International Tag Series. These steps build skill, confidence, and community pride and have prepared Samoa to represent on the world stage.

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation provides the Government’s clear frameworks and guidance to make this possible. The Ministry’s mandate includes regulation to bring sporting bodies together; development to raise facilities toward international standards; oversight to ensure transparency and accountability; asset management to register and care for government sports equipment; and facility management to improve public recreation areas so Tag athletes and families have safe places to train and gather. These are practical actions that turn ambition into readiness.

We welcome SASNOC’s confirmation of Samoa Tag as an affiliated member. SASNOC’s values of integrity, excellence, and collective responsibility strengthen the pathway from community participation to international representation and reassure families and partners that our Tag athletes, coaches and administration are well supported.

We welcome the presence of the International Tag Federation’s Chair to Samoa. Your presence and recognition of Samoa and Samoa Tag as our National Federation is the blue print for all sports in the Pacific.

Samoa Tag’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan is focused and achievable: stepped training and fitness programmes for Tag athletes, referee and coach development, expanded district tournaments and community clinics, targeted field and equipment upgrades, sustainable funding strategies, and stronger inclusion for women and people with disabilities. I acknowledge the Samoa Tag Board for their stewardship and the leadership of President Faaofonuu JP Leota and all involved for turning vision into action.

To Samoa’s Tag athletes, coaches, volunteers, the Ministry, SASNOC, and all partners: the Government of Samoa will stand with you, offering resources, clear governance, and steady planning support, as Samoa prepares to take its place at the 2026 Tag World Cup.

Fa‘afetai lava.

November 18, 2025

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Congratulations Manu Samoa We are all very proud of you.

Your hard work and perseverance have paid off.

But there is no time to celebrate just yet, as we must overcome Belgium on November 18th to advance to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Along with all Samoans world-wide, never doubt that your Samoa family from all four corners of the globe stand side by side with you until the final whistle.

Again, Samoa is proud of you and keeping a vigil in prayers for your success.

O tou mama lena

God Bless

PRIME MINISTER OF SAMOA

La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt

November 18, 2025

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REMARKS by the Hon. Acting Prime Minister, Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo

Lau Afioga, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II ma lau Masiofo,

Lau Susuga Reverend Raymond Betham,

Members of the Council of Deputies ma outou Faletua

Ministers of Cabinet,

The Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary,

Honourable Speaker,

Leader of the Opposition,

Members of Parliament,

British High Commissioner,

Your Excellency, Mr. Gareth Hoar and your good lady,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor for me to join you all at this evening’s reception to celebrate the 77th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.

On behalf of the Government and the People of Samoa, I extend through you, High Commissioner, Your Excellency, Gareth Hoar, our sincere congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty for continued good health, happiness and prosperity.

His Majesty’s official birthday was celebrated in June with the Trooping the colours ceremonial event, a remarkable tradition to mark the official celebration of the birthday of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom for over 260 years. This evening’s celebration is of great significance, it is a day when the people of the United Kingdom unite in expressing their loyalty, admiration and gratitude to a Sovereign whose leadership, wisdom and compassion have guided the nation with strength and dignity. The official birthday of His Majesty is not merely a celebration of a personal milestone, but a national occasion that reflects the United Kingdom’s rich history and legacy, achievements and aspirations for the future.

Some of our generations can recall having a large part of their educational life under the tutelage of teaching professionals from the United Kingdom, who besides leaving a legacy of a sound educational foundation for the children of Samoa but also introduced extra-curricular activities as Brownies, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts at the Anglican compound as well as the introduction of soccer and the nine -a -side netball at secondary level. Many people sang the “God Save the Queen’ anthem until 1962. This occasion provides an opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come in our relations and partnerships with the United Kingdom towards the achievement of our common goals, of peace and prosperity for our respective countries and people.

Samoa and the United Kingdom have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in the last 55 years. Our relations are built on mutual respect, through our common history, our shared values and support for global goals of peace, security and prosperity.

We recall fondly Their Majesties State visit to Samoa in October 2024, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Samoa proudly hosted. It was His Majesty’s first visit to the Pacific region since his coronation as King in May 2023 and his first CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth. The visit has further strengthened our collaboration in cultural exchanges, environmental protection and education. The highlight was the bestowal of the honorary titles of “Tui Taumeasina” from the village of Moata’a and “To’aiga oTumua” from Siumu, reflecting the high respect the people of Samoa hold for the UK monarchy.

Today we continue collaboration in the education sector, through the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programmes. The recipients of these programmes have pursued higher education in the United Kingdom returning with valuable skills and experiences contributing to and scaling up the cadre of skilled professionals essential for building our labour force.

The United Kingdom has also extended its support to enhance our governance and anti-corruption efforts through multilaterally-led project initiatives and programs, providing specialized training aimed at strengthening institutional capacity.

Our cooperation also includes trade and economic development through the UK-Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) that ensures trade continuity and support opportunities for Samoa exports.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 stood as a significant testament to the enduring partnership between Samoa and the United Kingdom. The gathering highlighted our shared commitment to advancing common agendas and addressing multilateral challenges. During this historic meeting, Commonwealth nations adopted the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future, a landmark agreement reaffirming our joint dedication to sustainable and resilient ocean stewardship. We acknowledge the United Kingdom’s assistance during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, with the deployment of the Royal Navy HMS Tamar to provide support in partnership with Australia, New Zealand, and our Police force to ensure security and safety of our CHOGM guests in particular, Their Majesties.

As we commemorate the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III this evening, let us also celebrate the friendship between Samoa and the United Kingdom.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Please raise your glasses and join me in proposing a toast,

“To the good health and long life of His Majesty King Charles III, and to the warm friendship between Samoa and the United Kingdom. Ia Manuia!”

November 18, 2025