MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) today (December 8) said that, with the concerted efforts of the government, the healthcare sector and non-governmental organisations, the prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among the adult population in Hong Kong remains at 0.1 per cent, well below the global average, and the number of new HIV cases recorded also continues to decline for nine consecutive years since 2015, demonstrating the effectiveness of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) prevention and control in Hong Kong. Like last year, the DH launches “HIV Testing Month 2025” in December to raise public awareness and knowledge on prevention of HIV infection, and to promote normalisation of HIV testing.

The Government has attached great importance to HIV infection control and prevention. Since the first case of HIV infection reported in Hong Kong in 1984, the Government has adopted a multipronged approach to prevent and control AIDS, including the provision of free, anonymous and confidential HIV testing services to the public, and comprehensive risk assessment, counselling and support services to individuals undergoing testing. Although the prevalence of HIV infection in Hong Kong remains at a low level, the proportion of late presenters has been as high as 40 to 60 per cent in recent years. There was an even higher proportion of late presenters, up to 60 to 70 per cent, among those who do not belong to the high-risk populations. Those who do not belong to the high-risk populations may have overlooked that they still have the risk of HIV infection even though they do not have frequent high-risk sexual practices, leading to delayed testing and treatment.

The DH launched the inaugural “HIV Testing Month” last year in December. Around 40 per cent of the participants who received testing through various activities during the “HIV Testing Month” last year did not belong to the high-risk populations, and about 40 per cent were tested for the first time. Eight persons were confirmed to have HIV infection, including two late presenters. The campaign not only successfully links people who are unaware of their infection status to receive timely diagnosis and treatment, but also promotes normalisation of HIV testing that helps remove the stigma associated with HIV infection and testing. The DH encourages people who have had sex to undergo HIV testing at least once, especially individuals who do not belong to the high-risk populations. The DH emphasised that early testing allows individuals with HIV to promptly receive specialist care, and through antiretroviral therapy to achieve viral suppression and immune recovery, thereby preventing health deterioration.

“The DH, in collaboration with 26 collaborating and supporting organisations, continue to organise ‘HIV Testing Month’ in December this year, with a view to promoting the message ‘For your health, Get tested for HIV’ to more stakeholders and bodies in the community, as well as providing an enabling environment for members of the public to undergo HIV testing easily and conveniently through a variety of channels and testing modalities. Members of the public could order HIV self-test kits on the HIV Testing Service website with free shipping during the ‘HIV Testing Month’,” said the Consultant (Special Preventive Programme) of the Public Health Services Branch of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Bonnie Wong.

She added that the AIDS hotline (2780 2211) under the DH was operated by professionally trained nurses, offering behavioural risk assessment, counselling and arrangement of HIV antibody test. Members of the public who received HIV testing from non-government channels could also call the hotline for enquiries about follow-up or counselling services. Operating for 40 years, the AIDS hotline has received over 1 500 000 calls, provided over 500 000 counselling services, and conducted nearly 70 000 HIV antibody tests. It also features pre-recorded information in multiple languages on HIV/AIDS and sexual health for diverse ethnic groups.

Members of the public can browse the HIV Testing Service website (www.hivtest.gov.hk) to access the HIV testing calendar to learn more about and select testing resources in the community.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) announced today (December 8) that the boccia and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy wheelchair fencing competition of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) will be held from tomorrow (December 9) to December 14 at Kai Tak Arena and Ma On Shan Sports Centre respectively.
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Hong Kong will stage all boccia events including men’s and women’s individual, double and team events, and 14 gold medals will be awarded. The boccia competition will comprise nearly 100 athletes joining from 13 teams from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao competing for honours, and Hong Kong will field 11 men and eight women athletes to compete. The competition schedule is as follows: 
 

Date	Time	Competition details
December 9 (Tuesday)	10am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 6pm	Men’s and women’s individual events: group stage
December 10 (Wednesday)
December 11 (Thursday)	10am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 4.30pm	Men’s and women’s individual events: group stage and knockout rounds
December 12 (Friday)	10am to noon and 2pm to 4.30pm	Men’s and women’s individual events: semifinals and finals
December 13 (Saturday)	10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6pm	Men’s and women’s double and group events: group stage and round-robin matches
December 14 (Sunday)	10 am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm	Men’s and women’s double and group events: round-robin matches, semifinals and finals

​As for the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy wheelchair fencing competition, Hong Kong will also stage all events including men’s and women’s individual and team foil, épée, and sabre competitions, and 24 gold medals will be awarded. Over 80 athletes joining from 10 teams from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao will compete for medals, with Hong Kong sending seven male and six female athletes. The competition schedule is as follows: 
 

Date	Time	Competition details
December 9 (Tuesday)	9am to 5pm	Men’s sabre individual (Category A and B) and Women’s foil individual (Category A and B)
December 10 (Wednesday)		Men’s sabre team, Women’s épée individual (Category C), Women’s foil team and Men’s épée individual (Category C)
December 11 (Thursday)		Men’s foil individual (Category A and B) and Women’s épée team (Category A and B)
December 12 (Friday)		Men’s foil team, Women’s sabre individual (Category C),Women’s épée team and Men’s sabre individual (Category C)
December 13 (Saturday)		Women’s sabre individual (Category A and B) and Men’s épée individual (Category A and B)
December 14 (Sunday)		Men’s épée team, Women’s foil individual (Category C), Women’s sabre team and Men’s foil individual (Category C)

Note: Wheelchair fencers are classified into three categories based on their level of impairment: A, B and C, with A representing the mildest impairment and C the most severe.

Members of the public can purchase tickets through various channels, including the 12th NGD and 9th NSOG official ticketing website (ticket.baygamespara.cn) or by searching for the official mini programme on WeChat, after completing a real-name account registration. Members of the public can also visit 11 designated sales outlets (ww2.ctshk.com/articleDetail?id=4&channelId=-1) of the China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited to buy paper tickets for events in the Hong Kong competition region. Furthermore, services are also available for physical ticket purchases for the events held at the relevant venues at the ticket office of the competition area. Tickets for boccia competition are available now, while limited tickets for wheelchair users and their carers for the wheelchair fencing competition are also available.

The ticket offices at Kai Tak Station Square and Ma On Shan Sports Centre have come into operation. The ticket offices will run from 10am to 4pm on non-competition days and will operate one hour before the event starts on event days until ticket verification ceases for that day’s event (i.e. 30 minutes before the scheduled finish time). Tickets are sold at Hong Kong dollar prices and accept various electronic payment methods. Real-name registration for ticket sales is adopted and please prepare an identity document for ticket purchase and before entering the venue. Spectators who purchased tickets for their family members or friends using their own accounts via the official ticketing platform should transfer the tickets to their family members or friends 24 hours prior to the start of the relevant session. Each person should carry their own e-tickets to facilitate verification and multiple entries/exits.

Official franchised merchandise stores will be set up on-site at the two competition venues, selling a variety of franchised products with Hong Kong characteristics incorporated and related to the competition events. Members of the public are welcome to visit and make purchases.

Outside the competition venue, there will also be competition villages with various game booths, including digital interactive games, booth games and art workshops themed around the competition events hosted by Hong Kong competition region. The competition villages for both boccia and wheelchair fencing events will be open on December 13 and 14 from 10am to 5pm. Members of the public are welcome to try the games and purchase tickets to watch the competitions, and cheer for athletes in person.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In response to an order from the Buildings Department (BD), as of 5pm today scaffold nets had been removed from external walls at 227 private buildings.

 

Work on three remaining cases, in which the BD has allowed an extension of time, is underway. It is expected that the work will be finished this week.

 

Meanwhile, emergency maintenance contractors, under co-ordinaton by the Housing Department, completed the clearance of miscellaneous items from the surroundings of the Wang Fuk Court buildings today.

 

In addition, the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit (ICU) continued to extract concrete core samples from affected buildings. So far, the exercise has covered five buildings.

 

The ICU has also conducted inspections of scaffoldings at Yee Kok Court in Sham Shui Po, On Kay Court in Kwun Tong, Sui Wo Court in Sha Tin, Ching Lai Court in Sham Shui Po and Fung Wah Estate in Chai Wan. Miscellaneous items were found on some scaffoldings, and the contractor is removing them. The ICU will closely monitor its work.

 

Financial support

As of noon today, donations received by the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po had reached about $3 billion. Combined with $300 million in startup capital from the Government, this takes the fund to a total of around $3.3 billion.

 

The fund will provide a living allowance to each affected household. As of today, 1,357 cases had been processed.

 

The fund will also provide the families of each deceased victim with a $200,000 token of solidarity, as well as $50,000 to cover funeral costs. As of today, a total of 95 cases had been processed.

 

In addition, the Government has so far disbursed emergency subsidies of $10,000 to 1,932 households. The disbursement is largely complete.

 

Social workers from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) have been in contact with more than 1,970 affected households, and more than 4,900 residents have been registered for the “one social worker per household” follow-up service.

 

SWD staff also visited affected residents staying in transitional housing units in Yuen Long today and gave them Octopus cards with a value of $2,000 to facilitate their daily travel.

 

Accommodation arrangements

As of this morning, a total of 1,422 residents had been accommodated, under the co-ordination of the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, in youth hostels, camps or hotel rooms. Another 2,522 residents have moved into transitional housing units provided by the Housing Bureau or the Hong Kong Housing Society.

 

Relief supplies

On the Government’s online platform for donated supplies, about 1,600 registrations have been received, with approximately 30% submitted by organisations. Over 5,700 donated items, covering various categories, have been distributed.

 

Regulation work  

As of 4pm today, the Labour Department had inspected 351 construction sites, issued a total of 180 written warnings and 96 improvement notices, and taken out 25 prosecutions.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Pursuant to the Legislative Council Ordinance, the Chief Executive in Council today specified January 1, 2026, as the commencement date of the eighth-term Legislative Council.

The Chief Executive also specified that the 2026 legislative session will begin on the first Wednesday after the LegCo President is elected. Moreover, the first meeting of the eighth-term LegCo will begin at 11am on the first Wednesday after the LegCo President is elected.

Relevant notices were published in the Government Gazette today.

Source: Government of Western Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE, Central Bank of Samoa]- A growing number of scams have been reported by commercial banks and money transfer operators in 2025, which is a serious concern for the Central Bank of Samoa.

These scams come in many forms and are primarily through the establishment of contact through online platforms. These include Parcels scams, Investment scams, Romance scams, and Schemes involving third-party deposits and Online Gaming Scams.

Scammers may approach victims through social media platforms such as WhatsApp or Facebook, pretending to offer prizes, investment opportunities, or fast-money deals. They often use emotional manipulation, urgency, and false promises to gain the victim’s trust.

Scammers often trick victims into acting as middlemen for their scheme by promising a high commission or fast money. Victims are convinced to hand over their bank account details, after which scammers use these accounts as mule accounts.

They then instruct third-party depositors separate individuals who are also being misled to deposit money into the victim’s account. Once the funds arrive, the money is then transferred to the scammer’s accounts, which are usually overseas. This creates a complex web of accounts, transfers, and manipulated victims all designed to hide the scammer’s tracks.

In fiscal year 2024/2025, 70 percent of all suspicious reports filed by Financial Institutions with the Central Bank were related to scams. So far for this fiscal year (FY2025/2026), already 60 percent of the reports filed by financial institution are scam-related, showing that the problem has surged.

The Central Bank has advised all financial Institutions to remain alert and to keep reporting any suspicious activity. Suspicious reports that have been sent to the Central Bank have been analyzed and referred to the Samoa Police Service and other relevant authorities for investigation.

The Central Bank kindly reminds the public that anyone who knowingly assists scammers for example, by accepting deposits and transferring money for them may be committing a money-laundering offence under the Crimes Act 2013.

The Central Bank strongly urges everyone to:

1. Stay alert and vigilant

2. Be cautious when dealing with unknown people online, most of whom are professional perpetrators; and

3. Always protect their personal and banking information.

In that regard, the Central Bank and Money Laundering Prevention Authority strongly reminds members of the public to consult their financial Institution first, before making any transactions or sharing their account details with potential scammers.

December 8, 2025

Source: Government of Western Samoa

Letter to the Editor

RE-Gagged: Leaked media Rules emerge Front Page Story

Your front page article headlined “Gagged: Leaked media rules emerge” published on the Sunday Samoa Observer dated 7th December requires clarification and correction.

The draft government media protocol is being designed to help the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and Chief Executive Officers to better address issues and inquiries raised by the media. It is intended to enhance government’s media engagement and information dissemination to the general public.

The draft protocol under no circumstance attempts to gag the media as implied by your provoking and misleading headline. This is blown out of context, and needs to be corrected.

The media is free to request for exclusive interviews with the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers outside of weekly press conferences. The opportunity to ask questions at government’s weekly press conferences hosted by the Prime Minister remains open as per standing policy.

In the draft media protocol there is a proposed condition for media questions to be submitted 24-hours prior to press conferences. This allows the host to prepare responses on whole of government issues and on questions specific to a relevant sector, to ensure the details are available and ready before hosting a press conference. This is a crucial component of government’s efforts to releasing factual information.

Perhaps the article’s author has never attended a government hosted press conference and has little experience with time line available to reporters, and fairness that should be afforded to government leaders to respond to media questions.

That is why we impress and encourage the media fraternity to request for exclusive interviews and not to solely rely on press conferences. If granted, the Press Secretariat will record these interviews for archival purposes, an assurance for fair and factual reporting.

From past experiences, some media outlets that were afforded exclusive interviews took advantage of such privilege to suit their ulterior motives, resulting in articles loaded with misconstrued and unsubstantiated claims.

The Journalist Association of Samoa (JAWS) was consulted on this protocol and the draft was sent to them for comments last month. The JAWS plays an important role in leading the work of the media in Samoa. Its role in bringing together the media family and in enhancing interface with government is equally crucial. The draft protocol gives the opportunity to JAWS to help with the coordination of local media working together with government’s press secretariat.

The documents is in draft form to date.

Ma le fa’aaloalo tele

Government Press Secretariat.

Copied: Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt

: Prime Minister of Samoa

: Agafili Tomaimanō Shem Leo

: CEO – Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

December 8, 2025

Source: Government of Western Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa – 5 December 2025] – The United Nations in Samoa hosted the International Volunteer Day (IVD) 2025 celebration at the One UN House in Tuanaimato on Friday 5th December, 2025 bringing together national and international volunteers to honour their contributions to sustainable development and community resilience.

The programme began with a tree-planting activity at Moamoa led by Samoa Conservation Society, reflecting volunteers’ commitment to environmental sustainability and community resilience. Volunteers from JICA, Australian Volunteers, New Zealand Volunteer Service Abroad, US Peace Corps, UN Volunteers and other partners joined the event, alongside government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and community organisations.

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A key highlight of the celebration was the launch of the “Tautua for a Better World” documentary, which captures the experiences, stories, and contributions of volunteers across Samoa. The documentary showcases how volunteerism strengthens communities, advances national priorities, and reflects the Samoan value of tautua — service to family, village, and nation.

Volunteerism is a core part of Samoa’s identity, rooted in the tradition of tautua. This culture of service continues to inspire volunteers locally and internationally, who bring their skills, energy, and solidarity to address community needs. From health and education to climate action, disaster response, and youth empowerment, volunteers contribute to building resilient, thriving communities and advancing sustainable development.

Delivering the opening remarks, UN Resident Coordinator ad interim Sardar Umar Alam stated: “Everyone’s contribution matters. Everyone has something meaningful to offer. We thank volunteers across the globe for their time, talent, and strength. Your commitment, solidarity, and compassion are shaping a greater good.”

Addressing the gathering, MFAT CEO Peseta Noumea Simi highlighted the broader impact and significance of volunteerism: “Volunteers are the heartbeat of our communities. Their dedication, expertise, and compassion strengthen Samoa and demonstrate how collective action can drive meaningful change locally and globally.”

This year’s celebration also coincided with the official global launch of the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the essential role volunteers play in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening communities.

The United Nations, together with the Government and volunteer partners, extends its sincere appreciation to all volunteers — past, present, and future for their commitment, service, and lasting contributions to Samoa’s development.

ENDS

December 8, 2025

Source: Government of Western Samoa

Fa’afetai Jai Opetaia

Fa’afetai i lou finau mo mea lelei aua le tapuaiga a lou atunu’u.

Fa’afetai i lou loto nu’u i le avea o oe ma lupe faalele a Samoa ile fa’agatama faapolofesa o faipeleaga.

Ua taunu’u ai le muāgagana a Samoa, “Ua pati taoto le Fe’epo” i taeao faapenei.

On behalf of the Samoan Global Family, thank you Jai Opetaia for living up to Samoa’s pride and honour in the professional boxing world arena with your impressive 8th round knock-out of Huseyin Cinkara to retain the IBF Cruiseweight World Tile.

As your Prime Minister, O lau pule lea.

Your entrance to all your fights coupled by our ulafala worn in all your appearances shows the World how you are a proud and fearless Samoan ready to defend our heritage at all costs. And we are all proud of you.

Having grown around boxing with my late Father Polataitavo Fosi Schmidt, a Samoa heavyweight champion and a former Minister of Cabinet , I can relate to your quest to be the best in the world.

The late Polataivao known in the boxing circles as “King Pola” loved boxing with a passion.

And rest assured, Samoa is with you every step of the way, as you continue your champion’s aura to the World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Origination (WBO) Cruiserweight World Honors.

O ou mama lena ma ia manuia ou faiva.

A grateful and proud Prime Minister of Samoa

LA’AULIALEMALIETOA LEUATEA POLATAIVAO FOSI SCHMIDT.

December 8, 2025

Source: Government of Western Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa – 5 December 2025]- The Central Bank of Samoa (CBS) is pleased to announce the official release of reprinted 50 and 100 Tala banknotes on polymer substrate, effective 8 December 2025.

This initiative reflects CBS’s commitment to improving the durability, security, and overall quality of Samoa’s currency. Polymer banknotes are globally recognized for their extended lifespan, advanced security features, and environmental benefits—offering greater protection against counterfeiting and reducing long-term replacement costs.

Key Features of the Polymer Upgrade:

• Retains the existing banknote designs, adapted for polymer material.

• Incorporates upgraded security elements for efficient authentication and machine processing.

• More inclusive as they feature tactile embossed security elements, making them easily identifiable for visually impaired individuals.

The introduction of polymer notes marks a significant step in modernizing Samoa’s currency, reinforcing its integrity while delivering secure and durable banknotes. The new notes will circulate alongside existing paper notes, which will remain legal tender until gradually withdrawn through the normal circulation process.

Environmental Impact:

Polymer banknotes last significantly longer than paper notes, reducing the frequency of replacements and minimizing resource consumption. Their durability means fewer notes are produced and disposed of over time, lowering waste and carbon emissions. Additionally, polymer notes are recyclable, supporting CBS’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.

December 8, 2025

Source: Government of Western Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE- Thursday, 4th December 2025]: At its meeting on the 3rd of December 2025, the Central Bank of Samoa (CBS) Board of Directors approved the continuation of the current Central Bank’s monetary policy stance for fiscal year 2025/2026. This is aimed at reducing the high level of excess liquidity in the financial system.

In making its decision, the Board considered the following updated outlook of the Samoan economy for the remainder of the fiscal year 2025/2026:

1. The main CBS objective of price stability is expected to be maintained. The headline inflation rate is expected to moderate within the 3.0 percent annual target, reaching 2.4 percent in June 2026, slightly lower than 2.6 percent in October 2025. Domestic food price increases are projected to slow down, while imported prices may rise slightly but subject to overall global prices for oil, food, and building materials, which will be driven by global demand conditions.

2. Economic growth will stay strong. Samoa’s economy is expected to grow by 5.0 percent, higher than the 3 percent to 4 percent medium-term goal. This will be supported by major public and private investment projects, higher government spending and a continued strengthening in the external sector.

3. Foreign reserves will remain more than adequate. Official government inflows, tourism revenues, and remittances (including seasonal worker income) will help lift foreign reserves to about SAT$1.7 billion, which will cover 15.9 months of goods—well above the minimum requirement of 4 months.

4. The financial system remains sound and highly liquid. Commercial banks continue to be well-capitalized, with good asset quality. The financial sector is expected to stay strong, supported by ongoing infrastructure reforms that aim to improve access to financial services.

5. As a result, the Central Bank’s monetary policy priority will be to continue reducing the high excess liquidity in the financial system through its open market operations. The issuance of all tenors of its Security papers, particularly the medium to longer-term maturities will be maintained. The Central Bank will also keep its official interest rate—currently 2.58 percent—within the target range of 2 percent to 3 percent over the medium term.

CBS acknowledges the presence of major downside risks in its economic outlook, especially external risks such as global trade tensions and geopolitical issues including the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which could adversely drive up global commodity prices.

In view of this, the Central Bank will remain vigilant in monitoring such external developments and its impact on Samoa’s economy. Where appropriate and needed, the Central Bank will adjust its monetary policy stance accordingly.

December 8, 2025