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Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The new Huanggang Port will soon be open. The nine-storey Huanggang Port Building features an interior design dominated by warm tones, with high ceilings that create a more spacious feel.

Inspired by Shenzhen’s city flower, the petal-shaped ceiling and expansive side windows maximise natural illumination. The design conserves energy while creating a soothing, welcoming atmosphere.

Floor-to-ceiling windows on the fourth floor offer a panoramic vantage point overlooking both Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

The multi-storey facility houses the arrival hall on the fourth floor and the departure hall on the fifth floor. It is equipped with 134 automated channels and 68 traditional manual counters.

The building also offers a range of passenger-friendly amenities, including a free government Wi-Fi service, baby care rooms and water dispensers.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today expressed his gratitude to the Legislative Council for passing a motion on Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and a “Motion of Thanks in respect of the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address”.

Mr Lee iterated that the city’s First Five-Year Plan is a forward-looking, strategic, and directional guiding document, while the Policy Address serves as an annual action plan for the implementation of the Five-Year Plan. He added that the two blueprints are closely interconnected, and that during their formulation, opinions from all sectors were gathered.

He said: “This year’s Policy Address is entitled ‘A Strategic Vision for a Bright New Era, Driving Reform and Boosting Development, Unleashing Opportunities and Enhancing Livelihood’. It sets out wide-ranging policy measures across various fields to take forward the initiatives for the first year in line with our five-year blueprint, which creates more development opportunities, enables the public to share economic dividends, and enhances social well-being.”

Mr Lee thanked LegCo Members for engaging in in-depth discussions and offering diverse views during a debate held over three consecutive days.

He noted that the discussions covered areas such as advancing the “four centres and one hub” policy; leveraging Hong Kong’s international advantages; expediting the development of the Northern Metropolis; deepening the development of the Greater Bay Area and participating in high-quality co-operation under the Belt & Road Initiative; enhancing social well-being in a tangible way; and adopting a holistic approach to development and security.

Mr Lee said the Government will carefully analyse and study members’ views to ensure more effective implementation of relevant measures.

“My team and I will continue to work closely with the LegCo to ensure positive interaction between the executive authorities and the legislature, with mutual checks and balances and complementarity. I firmly believe that, under the principles of an executive-led system and ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’, the executive authorities and the legislature will continue to pool their strengths and work together to lead the community in better developing the economy and improving people’s livelihood.”

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai and King Mswati III of Eswatini hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreement  
On the morning of October 9, following a welcome ceremony with military honors for His Majesty King Mswati III and Inkhosikati Make Zuma of the Kingdom of Eswatini, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with the king at the Presidential Office, after which they jointly witnessed the signing of the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan will continue to deepen its diplomatic ties with Eswatini, and through cooperative endeavors, advance industrial development and enhance the welfare of both peoples. The president also expressed hope that the two nations will continue working hand in hand to safeguard regional peace and advance prosperity.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Today, I have the pleasure of seeing His Majesty King Mswati III again, less than six months since we last met. We are delighted that your distinguished delegation has traveled to Taiwan to join us in celebrating our nation’s birthday. This past April, due to external interference, I was unable to personally attend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne. I would like to again thank you and the government of Eswatini for the great assistance you provided, as well as the wisdom and courage you demonstrated, in sending your aircraft to make my state visit to Eswatini in May possible.
During that trip, I was received ceremoniously and warmly by Your Majesty, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, members of the royal family, government officials, and the people of Eswatini. I truly experienced the depth of the friendship between our countries. Eswatini’s steadfast support is something that the people of Taiwan and I will always cherish.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Your Majesty on assuming the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation this year. I am confident that with your wise, outstanding leadership and rich experience, Eswatini is certain to further contribute to a peaceful, prosperous, and secure Southern Africa.
In this rapidly changing global landscape, countries must work together to maintain regional peace, security, and stability. I thank Your Majesty and the government of Eswatini for long supporting Taiwan’s international participation. For many years, Your Majesty has consistently voiced support for Taiwan at the United Nations General Assembly. In 2025, you urged the international community to correctly interpret UNGA Resolution 2758. This year, you underlined Taiwan’s vital role in global supply chains, calling on the UN to seek appropriate ways to facilitate Taiwan’s substantive participation in UN meetings and activities. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with Eswatini to jointly safeguard peace and advance prosperity, showing the world the strength of our mutual support.
Over the years, Taiwan and Eswatini have achieved fruitful results in such fields as medicine and public health, education and vocational training, digital technology, infrastructure, and energy development. In terms of governance, Your Majesty has focused on efficiency, innovation, a forward-looking vision, and job creation. Through bilateral cooperation, we hope to jointly advance industrial development and enhance the welfare of our peoples.
I am especially grateful to Your Majesty and the government of Eswatini for your support in establishing the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park. We look forward to seeing more Taiwanese companies investing in Eswatini and making it a major gateway into African markets. This will further strengthen our economic partnership.
Today, we will also witness the signing of the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. This marks an important milestone in deepening judicial cooperation. Through mutual assistance and by sharing our experiences, we will jointly uphold the rule of law and create more secure and stable environments for both our peoples.
In closing, I once again extend a warm welcome to Your Majesty, Inkhosikati Zuma, and all our distinguished guests. Building on our strong existing foundation, Taiwan and Eswatini will continue to expand cooperation across all domains and work together toward an even more prosperous future. I wish this state visit every success.
King Mswati III then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for inviting him to Taiwan, which he described as his second home, and saying that he always feels welcome and at home here. He noted that during the visit to Eswatini in May, President Lai had also invited the Queen Mother to visit Taiwan. The king said that Her Majesty personally asked him to convey to President Lai that, as an important traditional ceremony takes place in Eswatini each year from November to January, she is unable to travel at this time, but would be happy to visit Taiwan as early as next year, once the ceremony is complete.
King Mswati III noted that the many exchanges of visits between government officials this year are a sign of the good friendship between the two countries. He said he had been looking forward to returning to Taiwan to express his firm support, because a true friend is there in good times and bad. Noting the longstanding close cooperation and exchanges between the two countries, he said that the delegation hopes to explore further opportunities and ways to cooperate even more effectively. Some members of the delegation will also participate in international business exchange events hosted by Taiwan, he said. He expressed hope that the two sides will build on their existing cooperation to further expand bilateral trade and develop closer partnerships between businesses in Eswatini and Taiwan.
King Mswati III thanked Taiwan for its longstanding support for Eswatini’s development in many areas. He noted that Eswatini, as one of Africa’s developing countries, is working with other African nations toward the shared goal of realizing Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, with the aim of enabling all Africans to live side by side in peace. African countries recognize that no country can go forward on its own without the support of others, he said, and that cooperation and mutual support are essential to making progress together. In light of developments around the world, he added, the spirit of living together in peace is very important. He said that attracting more investment requires Africa to maintain peace and ensure that everything it does is consistent with the rule of law.
King Mswati III emphasized that peace is essential for Africa to make further progress in development. Describing Taiwan as a well-developed country with vast experience in areas such as agro-industry and technology, he expressed hope that Taiwan will continue to share its experience and ideas to help Africa advance, enabling its countries to gradually become developed nations. He also expressed hope that this visit will provide the delegation with an opportunity to learn more from Taiwan’s experience and ideas, so that they can share what they learn with other African countries.
King Mswati III also expressed keen interest in the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, which would shortly be signed. He expressed hope that the agreement will be put to full use and implemented effectively. He also said that he looks forward to the other activities on his itinerary, and commended Taiwan’s achievements in peace, stability, and progress across many areas.
After the bilateral talks, President Lai and King Mswati III witnessed Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien (鄭銘謙) and Eswatini Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Prince Simelane sign the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.
The delegation also included Eswatini Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Bheki Khumalo and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Eswatini Ambassador Vulindlela Simphiwe Kunene.
 

Source: Government of Singapore

2     As of 7pm on 9 Oct, the 1-hr PM2.5 concentration readings were 69 – 123µg/m3, in Band 2, Elevated, and the 24-hr Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) was 136 – 192, in the Unhealthy range.

3     While showers are expected over Singapore and the surrounding region on Saturday (10 Oct) and Sunday (11 Oct), the prevailing southeasterly to southwesterly winds may continue to transport smoke haze from southern Sumatra and Kalimantan towards Singapore.

4     Based on the current situation, it is possible that the 24-hour PSI may exceed 200 and enter the Very Unhealthy range. In preparation for this, the Government’s Haze Task Force (HTF), led by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and comprising 28 government agencies, has been convened and HTF agencies stand ready to roll out the next tier of action plans and advisories to protect the health and well-being of the public, especially vulnerable groups including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic lung and heart diseases.

General Health Advisory

5     The health impact of haze is dependent on one’s health status, the PSI level, and the length and intensity of outdoor activity. Reducing outdoor activities and physical exertion can help limit the ill effects from haze exposure. Given the air quality forecast for the next 24 hours, healthy persons should avoid prolonged and strenuous outdoor physical exertion. The elderly, pregnant women and children should minimise outdoor activity, while those with chronic lung or heart disease should avoid outdoor activities. Persons who are not feeling well, especially the elderly and children, and those with chronic heart or lung conditions, should seek medical attention.

6     Healthcare institutions (including public hospitals, polyclinics, and nursing homes) have activated haze preparedness measures, such as using air purifiers, closing the windows in the wards and corridors, and reducing ambient temperature through portable air coolers, where appropriate. Given the worsening air quality, community care providers offering residential and centre-based services have been reminded to replace outdoor activities with indoor ones.

7     N95 masks are generally not required for short outdoor exposure, like commuting from home to school or work, or when indoors. A healthy individual who has to be outdoors for several hours may wear an N95 mask to reduce exposure when the air quality forecast is in the Hazardous range (PSI >300). Vulnerable persons such as the elderly, pregnant women and individuals with chronic heart or lung disease may wear an N95 mask to reduce exposure when the air quality forecast is in the Very Unhealthy range (PSI >200) and if they have to be outdoors for several hours. However, the elderly, pregnant women and those with severe lung or heart problems who have difficulty breathing at rest or on exertion should consult their doctor before using an N95 mask. Any person who feels discomfort when using an N95 mask should take a break from using the mask.

8     There are sufficient stocks of N95 masks in retailers’ warehouses and government stockpiles. As part of ongoing haze preparedness efforts, the HTF works closely with retailers to ensure the availability of N95 masks to the public.

Distribution of masks

9     The Government has set aside N95 masks to support Singaporeans who may be more vulnerable to the effects of haze or who may have limited means of obtaining N95 masks. When the PSI enters the Very Unhealthy range (PSI>200), the People’s Association (PA) grassroots organisations will start distributing N95 masks to eligible Singaporeans. To complement PA’s distribution, mask vending machines will also be made available at selected public transport hubs and social services offices.

10     The following eligible Singaporeans* can collect N95 masks (2 pieces per pack) at the following locations using their NRICs. They may also ask a family member or friend to collect the masks on their behalf using the eligible person’s NRIC. 

 *The following persons may collect masks at vending machines at selected public transport hubs, Social Service Offices and PA venues with their NRICs:

Advice for Pre-schools and Schools

11     The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) requires preschools to cease all outdoor activities and strenuous indoor activities when the air quality is in the Very Unhealthy range. Children with chronic heart and lung conditions will be exempted from all indoor physical activities.

12     Preschools are required to ensure that all children remain in enclosed and well-ventilated indoor spaces with doors and windows closed, and fans or air conditioners switched on. In addition, preschools are to prepare at least one enclosed room with air purifier(s) turned on to temporarily accommodate children who may become unwell or develop respiratory problems due to the impact of haze.

13     Preschools are also required to ensure that children with asthma, heart or respiratory problems have their prescribed medication with them, and to closely monitor the health of all children. Should any child exhibit respiratory problems or feel unwell, the preschool is to inform the parents and seek medical attention for the child.

14     The Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools have plans to ensure the well-being of students and staff during a haze situation. Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning are ready to respond and take appropriate haze management measures taking guidance from the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) advisory (www.moh.gov.sg/others/haze).

15     All students will be kept in well-ventilated indoor enclosed spaces with air purifiers turned on. Teachers will also be on the lookout for students who are unwell or have pre-existing lung or heart conditions.

16     Classroom lessons will continue, but lessons may be modified as appropriate. For instance, students may be assigned work confined to sit-down classroom setting. Outdoor activities will be avoided. Students and staff who are unwell will be sent for medical attention. Schools will monitor the 1-hour PM2.5 readings throughout the day and adjust activities as needed in response to changing conditions.

17     For national examinations, schools have made arrangements for all candidates to take their papers in enclosed spaces, such as classrooms or halls. Air purifiers will also be provided so that examinations can continue should haze conditions unexpectedly worsen.

18     As was the case in 2015, MOE will consider closing schools when the air quality forecast for the next day is Hazardous (24-hour PSI>300). In making any decision to close schools, MOE is mindful of the disruptions to families’ care arrangements for their children, and will take into consideration all available information, health advisories and forecasts from the relevant authorities regarding the next day’s haze situation.

19     Should school closures coincide with national examinations, the affected examination papers will be rescheduled and the examination period extended. The announcement on the rescheduling of examinations will be made together with the announcement on school closure. School and private candidates will be informed through their schools and the Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) respectively.

20     If the candidate is unable to sit for or continue with the examination, the candidate’s health must take priority. There are existing procedures for schools to escalate the situation to SEAB for special consideration so that the candidate will not be penalised. For more information on schools’ haze management plans, refer to www.moe.gov.sg/haze-management-measures.

 Advice for Workplaces  

21     The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) reminds employers not to compromise on the health and safety of their employees as they continue operating, especially employees involved in outdoor work. To carry out outdoor work safely, employers should adhere to MOM’s haze guidelines and tripartite advisories (www.mom.gov.sg/haze) and adopt the following risk mitigating measures when the 24-hour PSI enters the  “Very Unhealthy” range:

• Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor work for healthy employees.
• Minimise outdoor work for vulnerable workers, especially the elderly and pregnant women.
• Avoid outdoor work for workers with chronic heart and lung conditions.
• Use mechanical aids, implement job rotation, schedule indoor rest breaks and ensure adequate hydration.
• If prolonged or strenuous outdoor work is not avoidable, and an employer still requires an employee to work due to extenuating circumstances, the employer is strongly urged to provide suitable masks (e.g., N95 masks or equivalent).

22     Employers should monitor workers’ health and symptoms closely, with regular clear communications on the measures taken to help employees cope with the impact of the haze. In addition, MOM advises platform workers who are exposed to the haze while performing outdoor deliveries to similarly follow the measures outlined in the advisory as much as possible.

Haze Shelters at CC and RC Centres

23     Air-conditioned rooms in Community Clubs (CCs) and selected Residents’ Committee (RC) and Residents’ Network (RN) Centres will be set up as haze shelters when the PSI enters the Very Unhealthy range (PSI>200). Members of the public can seek respite from the haze at these haze shelters.

24     Residents may contact their nearest CCs on the operating hours and location of the Haze Shelter. If the 24-hour PSI crosses into the Hazardous range, the opening hours of the haze shelters in the CCs will be extended to 10pm.

Safeguarding Singapore

25     The Home Team Departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) calibrate the training and outdoor activities of its personnel according to the 24-hour PSI level. When the 24-hour PSI is in the Very Unhealthy range (or 1-hour PM2.5>150) and above, all Physical Fitness Testing would be suspended and outdoor physical training would be avoided, with indoor air-conditioned alternatives used where possible. Susceptible personnel will be identified and assigned work arrangements with reduced outdoor exposure. The Home Team will continue its operations to keep Singapore safe and secure, notwithstanding the haze situation, and has measures in place to ensure the health and safety of our officers.

26     Should the 24-hour PSI value exceed 200 or 1-hour PM2.5 reading exceed 150μg/m³, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will adopt additional measures for service personnel performing outdoor duties, physical training activities, or those with existing medical conditions that could be aggravated by the haze. Prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical activities will be avoided, and outdoor physical fitness tests will be postponed or be conducted indoors, if applicable. Service personnel with existing medical conditions that could be aggravated by the haze will don the N95 masks when performing essential outdoor duties. Regardless of haze conditions, the SAF maintains operational readiness to safeguard Singapore.

Advice for Motorists and Commuters

27     The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has advised on the safety precautions motorists should take and how commuters can keep up-to-date with information pertaining to any affected public transport service. Through the Expressway Monitoring and Advisory System (EMAS) signs and ERP 2.0 On-Board Units (OBUs), motorists are reminded to drive with care and switch on their headlights when visibility is low. Tunnel lighting will also be adjusted where necessary to improve visibility. Commuters will be informed of any train or bus service which has been affected through the MyTransport.SG mobile application as well as other platforms such as Public Transport Operators’ (PTO) and LTA’s social media pages.

Sporting Activities

28     Sport Singapore (SportSG) advises participants and organisers of sport activities and sport facility operators to continuously monitor the air quality and adjust their activities and operations accordingly. Risk assessments should be conducted with due consideration of the relevant health advisories when deciding whether to proceed with activities and operations.

29     When the 24-hour PSI levels cross into the Very Unhealthy range, sport organisers and facility owners should consider modifying or suspending activities held outdoors and in non air-conditioned facilities to minimise prolonged exposure. Organisers of sport activities taking place in air-conditioned environments should review existing risk assessments before continuing with any activities. The 1-hour PM2.5 readings are measured across shorter time frames and reflect the prevailing conditions, and may be used to help activity organisers and individuals assess localised conditions and determine appropriate risk mitigation measures on-site, particularly where vulnerable persons are involved.

30     All ActiveSG Sport Centres are monitoring haze conditions and will adjust operations based on the 24-hour PSI index and the relevant health advisories. Members of the public are advised to check with their respective ActiveSG Sport Centres for updates on temporary facility closures and suspension of programmes and activities.

31     For more information on sport safety and haze management, refer to: https://www.sportsingapore.gov.sg/sports-education/sports-safety/haze-management-at-sport-singapore/.

32     The HTF will continue to monitor the situation closely. HTF agencies will provide further advisories should the haze situation deteriorate.

 Issued on behalf of agencies in the Haze Task Force

ANNEX A

 LIST OF HAZE TASK FORCE MEMBER AGENCIES

 The Haze Task Force (HTF) was formed in September 1994 and is part of a coordinated effort across the whole of government. The HTF comprises representatives from 28 government agencies.

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region