MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​An incoming female passenger was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (July 21) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted an incoming 31-year-old Mainland female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point on May 24 and seized 10 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her personal baggage. The duty-not-paid cigarettes had an estimated market value of about $41,000 and a duty potential of about $33,000. The female passenger was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

     The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (July 21) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine whether the Water Supplies Department (WSD) has adequate procedures to monitor and follow up on cases where no new consumers have taken up closed accounts.              168–200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong
Fax: 2882 8149
Email: di491@ombudsman.hk

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (July 21) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for June 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 2.0% in June 2026 over the same month a year earlier, the same as that in May 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 June 2026 was 1.9%, also the same as that in May 2026. 

     On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending June 2026 was 0.1%, the same as that for the 3-month period ending May 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were 0.2% and 0.3%.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Taipower joined hands with the Taiwan Thousand Miles Trail Association (TMI Trail) for the first time, installing a total of 80 specially designed wayfaring markers on utility poles along three national greenways in northern, central, and southern Taiwan: the Tamsui-Kavalan Trail, the Raknus Selu Trail, and the Mountains to Sea Greenway. Today (April 18) an unveiling ceremony was held at a Shiding Trunk Line utility pole behind Shiding Elementary School in New Taipei City. A Taipower representative expressed that these “greenway power poles” not only serve as trail markers between mountains, forests, and shorelines, the numbers displayed on the pole identification plates also contain wayfinding information, guiding hikers safely forward, and reminding the public of the close bond between electricity and daily life.

To mark Taipower’s 80th anniversary. Taipower has taken utility poles-a familiar site in everyday life-and transformed them into greenway wayfinding markers. Today Taipower also held an event at Shiding Elementary School: Where there’s a light, there’s a trail! Taipower 80th Anniversary Technician Experience. The event was attended by Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng, TMI Trail Executive Director Chou Sheng-Hsin, New Taipei City Government Economic Development Department Director-General Sheng Hsiao-Jung, Taiwan Power and Energy Engineering Association Chairman Liu Wen-Hsiung. At the event, these esteemed guests worked together with members of the public to jointly experience carrying a 60 m cable weighing approximately 250 kg, allowing them to personally understand the physical demands faced by Taipower personnel. They also visited the Tamsui-Kavalan Trail, to experience the fun and practicality of letting utility poles guide the way.

A Taipower representative expressed that power facilities throughout Taiwan-both large and small-document 80 years of hard work by the Taipower personnel who built the network. In particular, the construction of utility poles and power lines along mountain trails is no small feat, often requiring workers to carry equipment and materials by hand over difficult terrain. When a natural disaster such as a typhoon or an earthquake causes a power outage, emergency repair crews must overcome severe weather and rugged terrain, hiking to affected locations on foot while wearing heavy protective equipment. During the Technician Experience, participants also had an opportunity to wear workers’ actual equipment, helping them understand the everyday toil of frontline personnel while symbolizing Taipower’s mission of maintaining a stable electricity supply.

This collaboration between Taipower and TMI Trail installed wayfaring markers on utility poles along the Tamsui-Kavalan Trail, the Raknus Selu Trail, and the Mountains to Sea Greenway-trails widely beloved by the public-giving utility poles an additional navigational function. Additionally, each utility pole has a blue pole identification plate, bearing the power coordinate number, just like an ID card. This also serves as important location information for the public. A Taipower representative explained that the power coordinate system divide the map of Taiwan into 25 coordinate areas from A to Z. Each area is further divided into numbered sectors, which are used with Taipower’s Coordinate Mapping System website to achieve accurate location identification, similar to a radar system.

A Taipower representative also shared some trivia about the utility pole plate number: Because poles are numbered outward from areas with higher electricity demand and greater population density, the pole number shown in the middle of each identification plate generally starts with lower numbers in downtown areas and gradually increase as you move toward suburban and mountainous areas. If you’re lost in the mountains, you only need to observe the utility pole identification plates and head in the direction of decreasing numbers, following the power line back to a populated areas. These ordinary power poles become invisible navigators, protecting our safety at critical moments.

Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Department of Power Distribution Director Jao Yu-Chen
Phone: (02) 2366-8669; 0939-890-208
E-mail: u149005@taipower.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 15, 2026-In response to the government’s deep energy saving plan, Taipower coordinated with all 24 regional offices across Taiwan to hold a major customer conference, inviting nearly 2000 businesses from all sectors to participate. At each site, personnel provided customized energy saving guidance, conducted user equipment self-inspections and maintenance tests, and promoted electricity safety awareness. A Taipower representative expressed that the Company has continuously promoted energy conservation. Last year (2025), Taipower personnel visited over 300 businesses throughout Taiwan to provide energy saving diagnostic services, which are expected to save 67 million kWh of energy annually. The Company hopes that even more businesses will join the energy conservation effort, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

On the morning on April 15, Taipower’s 24 regional service offices nationwide united for a major customer conference with the theme: 1 kWh, Infinite Light; Conserve 1 kWh to Demonstrate Sustainability. The Taoyuan session attracted over 100 businesses to attend, including Taoyuan International Airport. At the venue, Taipower Vice President Chen Ming-Shu and energy saving mascot Dian Bao transformed into energy-saving diagnosis personnel, aiming to promote corporate energy saving.

A Taipower representative expressed that the conference facilitated personalized “tableside” service, on-site analysis of user consumption patterns, and one-on-one customized energy saving recommendations. These services assist customers in evaluating subsequent implementation of equipment replacement and energy management through energy service companies (ESCOs), thereby reducing energy expenditures and promoting energy efficiency. Taking Taoyuan Airport as an example, thanks to Taipower’s preliminary diagnosis and the customer’s actual improvements, in 2025, they saved 1.47 million kWh.

A Taipower representative indicated that in 2019, it established energy saving diagnostic centers in northern, central, and southern Taiwan, using specialized measurement tools to provide free guidance on energy saving for high consumption equipment for major customers with contracted capacity between 100 and 800 kilowatts. Last year (2025), more than 300 companies with high energy saving potential received customized energy saving improvement diagnostics. The Company predicts that their annual energy savings could reach 67 million kWh, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of over 18,000 households, and will contribute to over 28,000 metric tons in carbon reduction.

A Taipower representative explained that it will continue to assist customers with equipment replacements and maintenance work on a regular basis. This conference also targeted department stores and mass transportation operators, conducting user equipment self-inspections and maintenance tests and promoting electricity safety awareness. Measures include regularly maintaining and replacing electrical and mechanical equipment, strengthening training for electrical and mechanical personnel, familiarizing staff with power restoration procedures, and deploying additional personnel when necessary. Through technical exchanges and cooperation, Taipower aims to jointly reduce potential risks and enhance the stability of the electricity supply.

Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Department of Business Director Chung Si-Si
Phone: (02) 2366-6650; 0922-483-804
E-mail: u149447@taipower.com.tw

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Overall consumer prices rose 2% year on year in June, the same as in May, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.9% in June, also the same as the figure in the previous month.

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

Meanwhile, a year-on-year decrease was recorded for durable goods and basic food.

The Government said that increases in prices of fuel-related items continued to accelerate, while relatively modest price pressures in other components partly offset the overall rise.

Looking ahead, it noted that consumer price inflation is expected to rise in the coming months as the effect of earlier surges in international oil prices continues to ripple through the economy. While the recent moderation in international oil prices from previous peaks may provide some relief, the renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East warrants close monitoring.

Concurrently, price pressures in other areas remain largely contained, helping to keep overall inflation at a moderate level.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

May 11, 2026-Taipower held a ceremony at the Taipower Building today, marking its handover to a newly appointed President. Former President Wang Yao-Ting stepped down, and Former Vice President Kuo Tien-Ho assumed the position of Taipower President. The ceremony was completed on site, officiated by Ministry of Economic Affairs Vice Minister Lai Chien-Hsin and attended by Taipower directors and managers.

The newly appointed President Kuo Tien-Ho expressed that he started out as an entry-level employee in the power industry, and he has deep affection for the industry. As he returns to Taipower, he feels not only warmth, but also feels a sense of mission for the future. He thanked President Wang for laying a solid foundation. Once in office, he will strive alongside 30,000 Taipower colleagues to continuously develop diverse energy sources, accelerate the promotion of resilient power grid facilities nationwide, and practice digital transformation amidst global developments such as the push for net-zero emissions, the development of AI, and changes in the energy landscape. He is committed to ensuring a stable electricity supply while improving people’s lives, supporting the development of Taiwan’s industries, and increasing urban competitiveness.

A Taipower representative explained that the newly appointed President Kuo Tien-Ho joined Taipower in 1988 as a mechanical engineer at the Hsinta Power Plant. He also served at the Talin and Datan Power Plants. At the end of 2020, he assumed office as the Department of Power Generation Director, taking responsibility for managing Taipower’s 21 hydropower and thermal power plants. On August 1, 2021, he was promoted to Vice President & CEO of the Power Generation Division. He retired on July 16, 2025, until returning to Taipower today to take over as President.

Today, President Wang Yao-Ting stepped down, after investing nearly 40 years of his life in Taipower. He started at the Company in 1987, as an entry-level employee. In 2015, he assumed office as Department of Power Distribution Director, managing the power grid that provides electricity to residential customers throughout Taiwan. On March 8, 2022, he was appointed President after serving in the position of Vice President & CEO of Distribution and Service Division. During his term in office, he actively advanced energy transition by promoting the construction of gas-fired units at the Datan and Hsinta Power Plants. He also devoted himself to strengthening the stability of the power supply by completing the undergrounding of utility poles along the Ping-E Highway and actively promoting the construction of facilities to enhance power grid stability. During typhoons such as Danas and Krathon, he also personally took command, coordinating cross-regional support to accelerate power restoration.

Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail: u030573@taipower.com.tw

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

April 30, 2026-Today, Taipower held its 80th anniversary celebration, reflecting on the key milestones of the past decade in advancing the energy transition, ensuring a stable electricity supply, and strengthening grid resilience in response to the global net-zero trend, while outlining its vision for the future of electricity amid the transformation of the global power sector. A Taipower representative expressed that at this historic 80-year milestone, electricity has moved beyond a public service to become a key strategic resource for national development and industrial competitiveness, and is also an important foundation for urban competitiveness. Taipower will continue to devote itself to providing a stable power supply to support Taiwan’s industrial and economic development.

Today, Taipower celebrated its 80th anniversary, with the theme: One kWh, Infinite Light. President Lai Ching-Te, nicknamed “Taipower’s son-in-law”, attended in person, and Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-Hsin, The Chugoku Electric Power Chairman Shigeru Ashitani, Taipower Chairman Tseng Wen-Sheng, and honored guests from all sectors came to witness this important milestone for Taipower. Taipower specially invited members of the Taipower Family to cooperate in this great undertaking, including Sun Yun-Suan Academic Foundation Director Sun Yi-Hung, Kaohsiung City Council Chairman Speaker Kang Yu-Cheng, Uni-Lions Manager Lin Yueh-Ping, Taiwan Power and Energy Engineering Association Chairman Liu Wen-Hsiung, and others to share their sincere emotions about the Taipower Family. Taipower’s inseparable bonds with family and society were on full display, giving the site a warm and moving atmosphere.

Since Taipower’s establishment in 1946, successive generations of Taipower personnel have climbed mountains and descended into the ocean to break new ground for power development. Over the past 80 years, Taipower has ceaselessly promoted Taiwan’s economic and industrial leaps forward. The past decade has been a key period for energy transformation and power system upgrade. In terms of the energy mix, Taipower has aligned with national policy to increase gas-fired generation and reduce coal consumption. As a result, the Company has accelerated the construction of gas-fired units, and completed the first phase of its offshore wind power project, as well as renewable energy demonstration projects such as the Renze Thermal Power Project. Nationwide, the installed capacity of renewable energy has increased almost tenfold. In terms of power grid resilience, Taipower has continuously strengthened its power systems, lowering the outage rate by almost 60% and increasing the efficiency of power restoration. Additionally, Taipower continues to execute the Grid Resilience Enhancement Project. The Company has introduced a distributed power grid design that combines energy storage with smart dispatch to comprehensively improve power supply stability. At the same time, Taipower places equal emphasis on environmental sustainability and energy security. Air pollutant emissions have been decreased by 70%, and three of the Company’s power plants (Wanda, Hsinta, and Dajia River) have been certified as national environmental education facilities.

A Taipower representative indicated that the global electricity industry is facing three changes: the push for net-zero emissions, the development of semiconductors and AI, and inflation coupled with energy price fluctuation. How to effectively use electricity resources has become an important topic for all nations worldwide. Taipower will respond to this challenge with a two-pronged strategy: continuing to develop diverse energy sources on the power supply end while integrating power planning and urban planning on the demand end, emphasizing that “electricity is national strength and urban competitiveness”.

A Taipower representative expressed that changes in the global electric power industry has led to multiple challenges. The Taipower team continues to cultivate talent to seek progress and innovation. In recent years, Taipower has actively recruited young talent. Over the past decade, the average age of Taipower personnel has decreased to 42 years. At the same time, Taipower has created a friendly workplace and an environment that supports childrearing to strengthen talent development and organizational resilience. Guided by Taipower’s 80-year mission of providing a stable electricity supply, all employees will continue to dedicate themselves with professionalism and commitment, serving as the “invisible light” behind Taiwan’s continued progress.

Spokesperson: Chief Administrator Huang Mei-Lien
Phone: (02) 2366-6271; 0922-696-383
E-mail:u030573@taipower.com.tw

Contact Person: Department of Public Relations Director Yuan Mei-Ling
Phone: (02) 2366-7430; 0939-656-201
Email: u004465@taipower.com.tw