MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the remarks made by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, at a media session on the latest progress of the establishment of the new medical school today (November 18):
 
Reporter: First, I would like to ask about what set UST apart from the other two contenders in setting up the third medical school in Hong Kong? Was the university rankings or academic performances also taken into account when deciding which school to be put forward for the ExCo to approve? Secondly, you also mentioned that UST will first have its medical school in Clear Water Bay starting from the 2028 intake. Can you also explain why UST, or the Government, sees the needs to first have the transitional arrangement, instead of having the school be set up in the Northern Metropolis?

Secretary for Health: As I have emphasised, the criteria for making this decision to let Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (UST) build our third medical school is based on a basket of criteria, 10 major criteria, and it is a holistic assessment. It is not based on one single criteria. The UST has a lot of important advantages in terms of, for example, their innovative strategic positioning and building up of clinical scientists. Their university ranking is certainly one of the matters that we considered, as we see the UST has a more global outlook. The financial model that they proposed is more in line with the policy of having a matching in our subsidy in this important venture. 

About the reason for having an interim campus in Clear Water Bay, the Ngau Tam Mei site would not be ready by the year of 2028, which is the proposed year for the initiation of the medical curriculum for the UST, so we have to have an interim campus for teaching. The Ngau Tam Mei campus would likely be ready in around 2034 to 2035, so we have to rely on the interim campus for teaching for the time being. 

Also, because the teaching hospital in Ngau Tam Mei would not be ready for quite a while, we will need to rely on some other teaching hospitals which are  actually included in the proposal by the UST, and this is also the reason that we have to seek the support from the Hospital Authority (HA), which is the main healthcare service provider taking care of about 90 per cent of people in Hong Kong. At present, the two universities also rely on the HA hospitals for teaching, and students are actually sent to different hospital clusters for learning, so we will co-ordinate with the Hospital Authority to support the new medical school’s clinical teaching. 
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Lands Department announced today (November 18) that the tender for a site, Tsuen Wan Town Lot No. 441 at the junction of Wing Shun Street and Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, has been awarded to the highest tenderer, Fast Mighty Limited (parent company: Chinachem Group Holdings Limited), on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $2,475,000,000.
 
     The tenderers, other than the successful tenderer, in alphabetical order, with the name of the parent company where provided by the tenderer in brackets, were:
 
(1) Century Ace Development Limited (Henderson Land Development Company Limited);
(2) Golden Arch Limited (Great Eagle Holdings Limited);
(3) King Virtue Limited (Sino Land Company Limited, Kerry Properties Limited and China Merchants Land Limited);
(4) Maxjet Company Limited (China Overseas Land & Investment Limited);
(5) Pacific Great International Limited (Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited);
(6) Strong Associate Limited (K. Wah International Holdings Limited)
(7) Victory Rise Investments Limited (CK Asset Holdings Limited); and
(8) Zarow Limited (Wheelock Properties Limited).
 
     Tsuen Wan Town Lot No. 441 has a site area of about 6 515 square metres and is designated for non-industrial (excluding godown, hotel and petrol filling station) purposes. The minimum gross floor area and the maximum gross floor area are 24 757 sq m and 40 393 sq m respectively. Both exclude the gross floor area of Government Accommodation, being a centre for home care services for frail elderly persons, a residential special child care centre and a lay-by, all to be constructed by the purchaser under the Conditions of Sale.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) caseload in October showed a drop of 181 cases, representing a decrease of 0.1 per cent compared with that of September, according to the latest CSSA caseload statistics released by the Social Welfare Department today (November 18).

The total CSSA caseload at the end of October stood at 194 126 (see attached table), with a total of 256 998 recipients.

Analysed by case nature, unemployment cases registered a month-to-month decrease of 0.8 per cent to 15 691 cases. Single parent cases dropped by 0.6 per cent to 18 246 cases. Permanent disability cases declined by 0.4 per cent to 16 414 cases.

Low-earnings cases registered an increase of 0.7 per cent to 1 278 cases. Ill-health cases increased by 0.1 per cent to 27 834 cases. Old age cases remained steady at 110 711 cases.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for August – October 2025) released today (November 18) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.9% in July – September 2025 to 3.8% in August – October 2025. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.6% in the two periods.
 
     Comparing August – October 2025 with July – September 2025, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in many major economic sectors, with more distinct decreases observed in the retail, accommodation and food services sector; professional and business services sector (excluding cleaning and similar activities); foundation and superstructure sector; and financing sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
 
     Total employment decreased by around 1 800 from 3 674 500 in July – September 2025 to 3 672 700 in August – October 2025. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 7 800 from 3 830 100 to 3 822 300.
 
     The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by around 6 000 from 155 600 in July – September 2025 to 149 600 in August – October 2025. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons increased by around 800 from 60 000 to 60 800.

Commentary
 
     Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down by 0.1 percentage point over the preceding three-month period to 3.8% in August – October 2025. The underemployment rate remained unchanged at 1.6%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly, while the number of unemployed persons also decreased.”
 
     Looking ahead, Mr Chris Sun said, “the solid expansion of the Hong Kong economy, along with the steadfast improvement in business sentiment and the gradual recovery in consumption confidence, should provide support to the labour market.  However, the employment situations of some sectors would continue to face challenges from economic restructuring.”
 
Further information
 
     The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
 
     In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
 
     The survey for August – October 2025 covered a sample of some 26 000 households or 68 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of August to October 2025.
 
     Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
 
     Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the “Quarterly Report on General Household Survey” which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the report contains statistics for the quarter April – June 2025 while the next issue covering the quarter July – September 2025 will be available by end November 2025. Users can also browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).
 
     For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Space Museum (HKSpM) will launch the “A Voyage to Space: China’s Manned Space Expedition” exhibition from tomorrow (November 19) to April 27 next year. The exhibition showcases the journey of the country’s astronauts from training to their missions aboard the Tiangong Space Station. It also highlights their work and achievements in conducting scientific experiments on the space station and performing extravehicular (EV) activities, as well as the participation of Hong Kong in projects related to the country’s manned space programme. Admission is free.
 
The Tiangong Space Station is a “Space Home” constructed independently by China. It operates in low Earth orbit approximately 400 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. The HKSpM transformed the exhibition area at the foyer into a “space station”. Highlighted exhibits include a Tiangong Space Station model that illustrates the functions of its various modules, and a replica of the second-generation “Feitian” EV spacesuit that introduces visitors to how the EV spacesuit ensures astronauts’ safety while working in the harsh conditions of space. Visitors can also engage in the interactive game “Team Up! The Space Crew” to discover which roles they might fit in within the manned space programmes, learning about the work of astronauts and ground support personnel.
 
The exhibition also introduces diverse scientific experiments conducted by astronauts in the weightless environment on the space station. Visitors can examine a planarian specimen through a microscope to gain insights into experiments on planarian regenerative ability conducted aboard the space station. Visitors can also observe zebrafish in the exhibition’s aquarium to compare the behavioural differences with those raised on the space station. The “Horticulture in Tiangong” area showcases how scientists overcome the challenges of cultivating plants on the space station and features a small planter where visitors can identify different types of vegetables and fruits previously grown aboard the space station. These research findings not only drive current technological progress but also lay the scientific foundation for humanity’s future life in space.
 
Astronauts have to undergo over 200 specialised training programmes. The exhibition shows video clips of astronauts conducting underwater training. They practise working in a simulated weightless environment in a neutral buoyancy pool housing a full-scale spacecraft model while wearing underwater training suits that resemble EV spacesuits. Visitors can also experience the concentration and reaction training of astronauts through an interactive game.
 
Lastly, the exhibition outlines Hong Kong’s participation in Tiangong Space Station experiments and educational programmes, including a local university’s agricultural research project launched into space, as well as the selection of Hong Kong’s first payload specialist for the country’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts.
 
The exhibition is in celebration of the HKSpM’s 45th anniversary and is one of the activities of the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. For details of the exhibition, please visit the HKSpM website at hk.space.museum/en/web/spm/exhibitions/special-exhibitions/cmse.html.
 
To tie in with the exhibition, the HKSpM launched the sky show “Building a Dream Palace” to enable audiences to gain insights into the Tiangong Space Station and to witness the journey of realising the dream of exploring the vast cosmos by the Chinese nation. For details, please visit the website at hk.space.museum/en/web/spm/shows/sky-show/building-a-dream-palace.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Defining Hong Kong’s Role in the Changing Global Economy conference today (November 18):

Mr Robin Harding (Asia Editor for the Financial Times), Daryl (Chairman of the Sino Group, Mr Daryl Ng), Consuls-General, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is a pleasure to join you at this conference, a gathering of policymakers, distinguished business leaders and innovators, to explore Hong Kong’s evolving role in the global economy.  

     I’m sure that by the end of today’s discussions, you will appreciate Hong Kong more and recognise the enduring value we bring to the world. 

     In considering Hong Kong’s role in the changing global economy, allow me to highlight our two major development priorities: strengthening our position as an international financial centre and advancing innovation and technology.

Hong Kong as a rising IFC

     First, geopolitical developments are elevating – rather than diminishing – Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre (IFC). As you may recall, the opening months of 2025 were marked by significant policy shifts in the United States (US), bringing a new level of uncertainty to the global markets. In the wake of the turbulent Liberation Day saga, investors around the world responded with heightened caution, reassessing risks and recalibrating their strategies.  

     And consider this data: gold prices have surged by over 55 per cent this year, reflecting heightened risk aversion. Bitcoin had once soared by more than 110 per cent, demonstrating demand for alternative stores of value. The equity markets in the US boomed – for instance, the S&P 500 rose by around 14 per cent, but the US dollar depreciated by around 10 per cent, with 10-year Treasury yields having fallen by more than 60 basis points.

     What do these tell us? They revealed that amid heighted policy uncertainty and market volatility, investors are seeking safe havens. In this process, they look for transparent, consistent and stable policy environments, and value jurisdictions with familiar legal systems and trusted regulatory frameworks.

     They, of course, continue to pursue returns. Yes, Hong Kong is the answer. At the start of this year, the average P/E (price-to-earnings ratio) of Hong Kong stocks were only around 12. And when the DeepSeek moment highlighted China’s technological strength and cost efficiency, global investors quickly realised they had underallocated to this region. 

     Indeed, this wave of global investor interest has translated into significant capital flow into our market. The Hang Seng Index has surged by over 30 per cent year-to-date, following an 18 per cent gain last year, with an average daily turnover more than doubled that of last year. IPO (initial public offering) fundraising reached approximately US$28 billion as of October, making Hong Kong the global leader in new listings so far this year. Follow-on fundraising has been even stronger, reaching US$61 billion in the same period.  

     The asset and wealth management industry is also experiencing robust growth, with strong capital inflows. In the first eight months of this year, Hong Kong-domiciled funds recorded net inflows of US$43 billion.

     Bank deposits have increased by 10 per cent so far this year, reaching over US$2.4 trillion. 

     Financial institutions have responded accordingly, with many expanding their operations in the city. We are seeing leading financial firms leasing larger office spaces, and in the case of some fintech companies, even acquiring entire building blocks.

     Going forward, geo-economic reconfiguration is accelerating regional economic co-operation and advancing trade and investment within blocs. We are witnessing growing momentum in initiatives such as FTA (free trade agreement) 3.0 between China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), as well as the expanding corridors of collaboration with the Middle East. Within these, Hong Kong plays a pivotal and strategic role – connecting markets, channelling capital, matching businesses, and providing professional expertise. 

     On capital markets, bilateral cross-border collaboration is gaining significant traction. Hong Kong’s deepening cross-border collaboration with the Middle East is a compelling case in point. Over the past few years, we have worked closely with Saudi’s Tadawul to facilitate the mutual listing of ETFs (exchange-traded funds) on each other’s market. We then strengthened cross-border regulatory collaboration to pave the way for dual listings. Last week, we marked a historic milestone by welcoming the first Middle Eastern company to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. 

     Indeed, our collaboration extends beyond finance into the industrial and commercial sectors. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia will soon jointly launch a US$1 billion fund to support Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area companies to expand into Saudi Arabia, contributing to the development of non-oil economic sectors in Saudi Arabia. Next month, a major Saudi development company will be hosting a roadshow in Hong Kong to seek strategic partners and professional service providers to support their infrastructure development.  

Innovation and technology

     The second major development direction for Hong Kong is innovation and technology – our new engine of growth.

     Our strategy focuses on sectors where we hold a competitive advantage: artificial intelligence (AI), biotech, fintech, as well as new energy and new materials.

     To realise this vision, several key elements are essential: cutting-edge technology, technology enterprises, talent, market, land resources and capital.

     On the enterprise front, we have established the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), dedicated to bringing in high-impact, high-potential tech companies engaged in frontier technologies. Over the past three years, we have attracted over 100 such enterprises, many of which are global leaders in their respective fields. Collectively, these companies are expected to invest around US$8 billion in Hong Kong, creating about 22 000 quality jobs. Many are now setting up R&D (research and development) centres or regional headquarters in this city, often bringing with them upstream and downstream partners, thereby further enriching our innovation ecosystem. 

     We have established the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, HKIC, as patient capital, to help us realise this vision. I’m sure Clara (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, Ms Clara Chan) will share more on this at the upcoming panel session. 

     In terms of land resources, the Northern Metropolis will be the carrier of our vision for innovation and technology. It also functions as a strategic base for collaboration with other Greater Bay Area cities, in particular Shenzhen. We are accelerating its development through innovative policies and tailor-made incentive packages. The goal is to anchor leading technology companies here to build a vibrant ecosystem so that our vision in innovation and technology will be deeply ingrained with industry development.  

     Speaking of the Greater Bay Area, there is an additional advantage that few regions can match. It is where high-end manufacturing capabilities and cutting-edge AI innovation simultaneously reside. AI technology can be directly and seamlessly applied, tested and validated in real-world industrial settings.

     On talent, Hong Kong continues to be a magnet for global professionals. Since the launch of new and enhanced talent admission schemes at the end of 2022, we have received over 550 000 applications, approved more than 370 000, and more than 250 000 individuals have already arrived.

     In fact, amid the geopolitical landscape, we have recently welcomed hundreds of scholars, researchers and world-renowned academics. And outstanding students are on their way here too. Here in Hong Kong, we believe that intellectual excellence knows no borders. We welcome the world’s brightest minds to our city where merit – not politics – defines opportunity.

Concluding remarks

     Ladies and gentlemen, in short, Hong Kong is accelerating its role as both an international financial centre and a premier global innovation hub. Few cities in the world can lead in these dimensions simultaneously – and with such momentum. 

     I wish you all a rewarding summit, and good health and continued success in the time ahead. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Denmark theatre troupe Teater Katapult will perform in Hong Kong for the first time with their solo play “The Insider” at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s “European Theatres in Resonance” in December. The work is based on the German State’s crown witness in the real international case of dividend tax fraud. Combining live acting with visuals and a binaural soundscape, it is aimed at giving audiences a sensually thrilling immersive theatrical experience. 

     “The Insider” is inspired by the “Cum-Ex scandal”, a real international case of dividend tax fraud involving an amount as high as 53 billion euros, causing a stir among many European countries. The story is about a young father and tax lawyer who works in one of the world’s largest banks. As an ambitious freshman with an ingenious interpretation of the tax laws, he begins to exploit the benefits from a loophole in the financial system, leading to a bloodbath of state treasury looting. Nonetheless, he makes his pivotal shift in allegiance later to assist the police in dismantling an extensive network of criminal accomplices. 

     The production is directed by Johan Sarauw and stars Christoffer Hvidberg Rønje. With headphones on throughout the performance, audiences will experience the extraordinary 3D binaural sound, cinematic sound, and the voices of multiple characters, going into the inner world of the mastermind with an immersive sensory experience, as well as experiencing his personal journey. Simultaneously, Rønje will solely perform inside a glass cubicle on the stage, showcasing the emotional changes through his physical movements and facial expressions. Accompanied by the transforming scenes with evolving video projections on the glass box, audiences will be guided to travel around the world to follow the case, enhancing the dramatic tension of the play while exploring the human face of greed. The production won the Scotsman Fringe First award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2023 and garnered acclaim during tours across Europe and in Korea. 

     Teater Katapult was founded in Denmark by the present Artistic & Managing Director, Torben Dahl, in 1995. It is based on the idea to challenge people through the arts. The main goal is to make people more conscious of themselves and the world around them, and at the same time feel moved through both their senses and intellect. The company has two theatre spaces in Aarhus. They develop, produce, and present new contemporary drama, and present works by Danish as well as international companies.

     “The Insider” by Teater Katapult (Denmark) will be held at 8pm on December 19 and 20 (Friday and Saturday), and at 3pm on December 20 and 21 (Saturday and Sunday) at the Studio Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. The programme will be conducted in English with Chinese and English surtitles. Tickets priced at $320 and $420 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. The “European Theatres in Resonance” also includes “Songs of Lear” by Song of the Goat Theatre (Poland) to be held from February 6 to 8 next year. A discount will be offered for those purchasing standard tickets of both performances of “The Insider” and “Songs of Lear”. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/theatre/programs_1925.html. The programme contains inappropriate language and is recommended for people aged 16 and above. Evening performance on December 19 and matinee performance on December 20 will be followed by a meet-the-artist session (conducted in English). Members of the audience are welcome to stay behind to join.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 18) called on healthcare professionals and members of the public to take collective action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), in support of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2025. Antimicrobials are medications used to treat infections, including antibiotics, which are specifically used to treat bacterial infections. AMR occurs when microorganisms (such as bacteria and viruses) adapt to grow in an environment with antimicrobials, rendering previously effective medications ineffective. Misuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics are the primary causes of AMR. The Government has been placing great importance on combating AMR. In 2022, the Government published the second Hong Kong Strategy and Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, outlining strategies to tackle the threat of AMR from 2023 to 2027. Key measures include reviewing and updating the antimicrobial guidelines entitled the Interhospital Multi-disciplinary Programme on Antimicrobial ChemoTherapy (IMPACT), and promoting the guidelines to doctors to prescribe antimicrobials to patients in accordance with scientific evidence.
 
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated November 18 to 24 every year as World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week. This year’s theme is “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”.
 
“AMR is one of the world’s most serious public health challenges. When bacteria and viruses develop resistance, infections become harder to treat or even untreatable. In 2021, about 4.71 million deaths worldwide were associated with drug-resistant bacteria. If we fail to act, this figure is projected to rise to 8.22 million deaths annually by 2050. The WHO estimates that between 2020 and 2030, 18 433 deaths in Hong Kong will be AMR-related. To help the public better understand the affected lives behind these statistics, the CHP produced a video featuring a local survivor sharing his personal experience of how AMR nearly cost him his life. This highlights that AMR is not a distant global issue, but a threat that could affect anyone,” said the Consultant (Antimicrobial Resistance) of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Dr Edmond Ma.
 
Updating antimicrobial guidelines for doctors’ reference
————————————————————–
 
The Government will continue to implement the Action Plan comprehensively to integrate human, animal, and environmental health efforts under the One Health framework.
 
“In June this year, the CHP launched the sixth edition of the IMPACT guidelines, which provide recommendations on prescriptions for different infections, serving as a reference for all doctors in Hong Kong when prescribing antimicrobial drugs to inpatients. The CHP also promoted appropriate prescribing practices in line with the IMPACT guidelines through a professional forum and a letter to doctors. The corresponding mobile application (September 2025 version) is now available on both iOS and Android platforms for the convenience of medical professionals,” said Dr Ma.
 
He noted that Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes have been implemented across public and private hospitals. The latest surveillance data reflected an improvement in prescribing practices. The proportion of antimicrobials in the Watch category (i.e. antimicrobials considered by the WHO to be at a higher risk of developing drug resistance) in the total supply of antimicrobials in Hong Kong decreased from 40.3 per cent in 2016 to 34.6 per cent in 2024. This indicated that doctors were prescribing fewer broad-spectrum antibiotics, which helped address the issue of AMR.
 
Strengthening crackdown on illegal sale of antimicrobials
—————————————————————-
 
To safeguard antimicrobial efficacy, the DH has stepped up efforts in combating the illegal sale of antimicrobials. According to the surveillance data, the wholesale supply of antimicrobials to community pharmacies has steadily decreased from 18.5 per cent in 2016 to 3.4 per cent in 2024. Furthermore, through the CHP’s ongoing public education initiatives, public awareness of AMR has improved. According to the survey conducted by the CHP in 2024, 70.9 per cent of the public are aware of the term “antibiotic resistance”, and the vast majority of respondents (96.3 per cent) indicated that their last course of antibiotics was prescribed by a doctor, reflecting an increased awareness of proper medicine use. Moreover, elderly respondents showed improved knowledge about drug resistance, showing the effectiveness of the publicity efforts.
 
Nevertheless, the survey also found that approximately one-quarter of respondents (25.6 per cent) were unaware that consuming raw or undercooked food increases the risk of infection from microorganisms, including drug-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, a rising trend in drug-resistant bacteria has been detected in ready-to-eat foods (RTE). According to the data from tests commissioned by the CHP, the proportion of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) (a type of drug-resistant bacteria) rose from 5.9 per cent in 2018/19 to 13.3 per cent in 2023/24 among RTE food samples. The increase was particularly pronounced in RTE vegetables (36.7 per cent), lo mei (20.0 per cent), pre-cut fruits (16.3 per cent) and siu mei (14.3 per cent).
 
The CHP urged members of the public to work with healthcare professionals to eliminate AMR by observing the following:
 

• Antibiotics are effective only in treating bacterial infections, not viral infections such as influenza and COVID-19. When you have an upper respiratory tract infection, consult a doctor. Do not buy or consume antibiotics from community pharmacies on your own;
• Do not demand antibiotics from doctors. Only take antibiotics when advised by a doctor and complete the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms improve;
• Follow the health advice stated on the prescription bag and adopt appropriate infection control measures, such as maintaining hand hygiene, wearing a surgical mask when having respiratory symptoms, and disinfecting and covering all wounds properly to prevent person-to-person spread of drug-resistant bacteria when taking antibiotics;
• Receive seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to prevent secondary bacterial infections, thereby reducing the use of antibiotics and avoiding the occurrence of AMR;
• Be aware of the risk of acquiring drug-resistant bacteria from RTE food. People taking antibiotics or antacids, and high-risk populations (such as pregnant women, infants and young children, the elderly and people with weakened immunity) are at a higher risk and should avoid eating raw or undercooked RTE foods; and
• Observe good hygienic practices in the kitchen when handling food to minimise the risk of cross-contamination by drug-resistant bacteria.

 
To watch the video on the story of the AMR survivor, please visit the website. For more information on AMR, please visit the CHP thematic website and the CHP Facebook Page.

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa 18 November 2025] – A new global project to advance the cocoa value chain development in Samoa was kicked off today during an inception workshop, co-hosted by FAO and the Government of Samoa. This project is funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China through the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme. Samoa is selected as a ‘demonstration country’ that will inspire and showcase examples to other Pacific Island countries.

Through FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative, eight Pacific Island Countries are supported to promote their special agricultural products, These countries are Cook Islands (wetland taro), Fiji (turmeric), Nauru (poultry), Samoa (cocoa), Solomon Islands (cassava), Tonga (sweet yam), Tuvalu (breadfruit), and Vanuatu (poultry).

“Samoa’s experience will offer valuable insights to inspire and guide other Pacific nations as we advance together under the OCOP framework,“ said Aiolupotea Misa Tony Aiolupo, Associate Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries of the Independent State of Samoa, while officially opening the project inception workshop.

Cocoa is one of the most grown permanent crops by smallholder farmers in Samoa and this will diversify the market opportunities available to women and youth in communities and promote their income-generating opportunities. Samoa is recorded to have one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, and cocoa-based products offer potential for contributing to healthier diets. Cocoa is reported to contain beneficial phenolic compounds, particularly the flavanol content, which can potentially prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease. The development of various cocoa products under OCOP can potentially boost the availability of products containing phenolic compounds for healthy eating.

“China’s support to FAO’s OCOP initiative marks a new milestone in FAO-Samoa friendship, especially this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Samoa diplomatic relations, ” said FEI Mingxing, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Independent State of Samoa. He further added that China stands ready to exchange knowledge and technology to enhance agricultural development.

As a ‘demonstration country’, Samoa will be supported to develop its cocoa value chain by transforming production, processing, storage and market developments. This initiative also promotes sustainable technologies, identifies investments and fosters partnerships with research institutes.

Meanwhile, the other seven Pacific Island nations participating in the OCOP initiative will benefit from the shared experience and learnings. Other than Samoa, there are 14 other ‘demonstration countries’ in other regions that will be supported by this 5-million USD global project. This is in line with the spirit of leveraging South-South and Triangular cooperation among developing countries and among Pacific Island countries.

“Every island is special, so is the agricultural product that comes from their land and sea. Taro, cassava, cocoa and other products have great power to promote healthier diets and to increase farmers’ income in the Pacific small islands,” said Alue Dohong, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.

He further reiterated FAO’s strong commitment to support the Pacific small island states in achieving food security and transforming towards a more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

END.

November 18, 2025

Source:

[17th November 2025]- The Government of Samoa acknowledges the public interest generated by the Samoa Observer editorial dated 13 November 2025 regarding the updated process for appointing District Council Chairpersons. This statement provides clarity and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to transparency, good governance, and community-led development.

Strengthening Leadership and Local Governance

The updated criteria for District Council Chairpersons are part of a broader effort to ensure stronger, more accountable local leadership. Under the revised requirements, Chairpersons must be:

• Individuals of integrity and good standing

• Recognised leaders within their district

• Capable of responsibly managing public development funds

• Committed to ensuring fair access to services, especially for vulnerable families

• Aligned with Samoa’s national vision for community-driven development

• Registered with the Office of the Electoral Commissioner (OEC) as a candidate for the 2025 General Election

These reforms are aligned with the Government’s increased investment in the District Development Programme (DDP) — rising from $1 million to $2 million tala per district — to strengthen local institutions and drive equitable development.

Governance Review and Legal Alignment

The initial governance structure for Phase 1 of the DDP was intended as a transitional model. A review conducted by the Ministry, based on:

• Auditor-General’s findings, and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) reports,

identified the need to strengthen:

• Lease and procurement arrangements

• Financial oversight and reporting practices

• Governance and accountability capacity, and

• Consistent delivery of development outcomes across all villages and families

The revised governance framework is being strengthened in line with:

• The Constitution of Samoa

• Villiage Fono Act1990, Internal Affairs 1995

• Public Finance Management Act

No appointment will be made unless the process fully complies with legal, constitutional, and policy requirements.

3. Transparency and Accountability in Appointments

The Government confirms that:

• The chairperson’s appointments will be undertaken in full accordance with the established process.

• Eligibility criteria will be clearly defined, publicly communicated, and applied consistently.

• The selection and appointment of the Chairperson will be carried out by the District Development Program Steering Committee as part of the complete appointment process.

These steps underscore our commitment to transparency, equity, and strong local leadership.

4. Strengthening the DDP for Equity and Impact

The DDP has delivered real benefits across Samoa. To ensure deeper impact and equity, the Government is undertaking a programme-wide review to improve:

• Access to development funding for all villages and families

• Equity in resource distribution

• Support for districts with limited administrative capacity

• Governance consistency across all 51 districts

A strengthened Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system underpins this work. Districts will now be required to:

• Provide regular progress updates

• Demonstrate transparent and effective use of public funds

• Share community-level outcomes with the public

The Chairperson of the Fono Faavae will work closely with the DDP Team to support these strengthened oversight measures.

5. Leadership Matters More Than Ever

With increased funding and strengthened governance expectations, the role of District Council Chairperson is now even more critical. The Chairperson must ensure:

• Transparent management of development funds

• Effective coordination between village and district structures

• Meaningful community engagement

• Fair decision-making that benefits every family

Strong, accountable leadership is essential to realizing the DDP’s vision of resilient, inclusive development across Samoa.

6. Upholding Fa‘asamoa and Local Authority

The Government reaffirms the fundamental role of the fono a ali‘i ma faipule in Samoa’s system of governance. This framework does not replace traditional authority but it strengthens partnership by unifying traditional leadership with modern accountability.

Ongoing consultations with village leaders will continue as we refine the DDP implementation guidelines.

7. Development with Integrity — Powered by the People, for the People

The Government of Samoa deeply values the voices and wisdom of our people. Every dialogue, every village consultation, every media question helps us do better — together.

By strengthening district leadership and refining the DDP, we are not just improving systems — we are investing in trust, partnership, and shared responsibility. Our commitment is unwavering: to ensure that every family, in every village, sees and feels the benefits of national development.

We believe that true progress is achieved not when development is done for communities, but when it is done with them. This work is grounded in respect, guided by transparency, and inspired by the strength of our people.

This is our promise.

To lead with integrity.

To serve in partnership.

And to ensure that no one is left behind.

Hon. Moefaauouo Julius Ah Kui Tafunai

MINISTER OF WOMEN, COMMUNITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

GOVERNMENT OF SAMOA

November 18, 2025