MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of Singapore

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN SPF, ICA, HDB, LTA, NEA & URA 

8 October 2026 – More than $639,000 in outstanding summonses were recovered from 265 foreign motorists during a multi-agency operation conducted from 28 to 30 September 2026. During the operation, foreign motorists with outstanding fines were stopped and directed to settle their fines for vehicular and traffic offences when they entered Singapore at the land checkpoints. The operation was led by the Traffic Police (TP) and supported by officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, Housing & Development Board, Land Transport Authority (LTA), National Environment Agency, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

2               Singapore takes a serious view of foreign motorists who have committed offences in Singapore, and do not settle their fines. Singapore authorities regularly conduct operations against such motorists, and those with outstanding fines for traffic, parking, or vehicular emissions offences may be denied entry into Singapore.

3               All motorists are required to abide by Singapore laws and play their part in building a positive road safety culture. This includes the following:

• Adhering to speed limits
• Obeying traffic signals
• Paying ERP and parking charges
• Parking legally
• Keeping within emissions limits

4               All foreign-registered vehicles must have a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) [1] for entry into Singapore. From 2 November 2026, foreign-registered vehicles with outstanding fines for traffic, parking or vehicular emissions offences committed in Singapore will not be able to apply for or renew their VEP with LTA.

5               Foreign motorists are strongly advised to check if they have any outstanding fines at www.axs.com.sg before applying for or renewing a VEP and entering Singapore. Payment of the fines can be made via the following channels (a detailed list of payment options applicable to the respective agencies is listed in Annex A):

(a)  AXS kiosks, AXS website and AXS mobile app;

(b)  Respective agencies’ websites; or

(c)  Respective agencies’ customer service counters

6               Foreign motorists who wish to seek clarifications on their offences may contact the relevant agencies (refer to Annex A).

 

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For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

 

Annex A

Contact Details and Payment Options for Foreign Vehicles with Outstanding Offences

Traffic Police (TP)

Housing & Development Board (HDB)

Land Transport Authority (LTA)

National Environment Agency (NEA)

• Tel: 6225 5632
• AXS kiosks, AXS website and AXS mobile app (Singapore-issued credit/debit cards)
• SingPost Post Offices (Cash, Cashcard, NETS, NETS Flashpay and Singapore-issued credit/debit cards)
• SingPost mobile application and https://mysam.singpost.com 
• NEA’s website: https://go.gov.sg/nea-payment

Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

• Tel: 6329 3434
• AXS kiosks, AXS website and AXS mobile app (Singapore-issued credit/debit cards and foreign-issued credit cards)
• URA’s website:

https://go.gov.sg/ura-pf (eNETS, PayNow, Singapore and foreign-based credit/debit cards)

 

Annex B

A Traffic Police officer providing information on payment locations and available payment methods for settling outstanding fines. 

A Traffic Police officer engaging a motorist on his outstanding fines.

 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

This year’s “Cheers!” Series will be held from December to January next year, featuring family programmes by visiting troupes and local art groups, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department announced today.

Visiting productions include the non-verbal omnibus production, Dream Space, by South Korea’s Creative Group SSAK; the Bubble Show in Space by Australia’s Bubble Laboratory; the physical clown theatre production, The Mequetrefo, by Brazil’s Parlapatões; and the clown theatre piece, Frida’s Incredible Journey, by Denmark’s Paolo Nani Teater.

Extension activities such as workshops and meet-the-artist sessions will be held for the above programmes.

Local art groups will also present multimedia children’s theatre production ANTNETIC LOST by Creman Concept; the puppet musical Sweetyland IV The Fluffy Fungus Fight by Make Friends with Puppet; and the Hong Kong Oratorio Society 70th Anniversary Concert III: A Thankful Christmas.

Tickets for the series will go on sale starting October 14 at URBTIX.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Supported by the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the Taiwan Automobility Research Consortium (TARC) held the 22nd Taiwan Automotive International Forum (TAIFE) on October 6. The forum announced major advances in international cooperation, with the Automotive Research & Testing Center (ARTC) partnering with U.S. and German organizations to establish international-grade automotive cybersecurity and connectivity testing facilities in Taiwan. These initiatives strengthen local verification capabilities and help Taiwan’s automotive electronics industry expand into global markets.

DoIT Director-General Chao-Chung Kuo said that the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), software-defined vehicles (SDVs), and vehicle connectivity has made interoperability and cybersecurity essential to smart vehicle development. Through its A+ Industrial Innovative R&D Program and collaboration with research institutes, DoIT helped China Motor Corporation (CMC) obtain ISO 21434 and ISO 24089 certifications, making it Taiwan’s first commercial vehicle manufacturer to receive these certifications from Germany’s TUV SUD.

Kuo added that MOEA continues to support critical technologies and testing capabilities through technology development projects, while connecting domestic R&D with international standards and regulations. The U.S. and German partnerships will enable companies to conduct verification locally, reduce barriers to overseas markets, and strengthen Taiwan’s smart mobility competitiveness. MOEA will continue to promote R&D, international cooperation, and field validation to accelerate technology deployment and product internationalization.

Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) Executive Vice President and TAIFE Chair Jwu-Sheng Hu said that the global automotive industry is moving toward smarter, software-driven, and low-carbon mobility. ITRI will continue to integrate technologies across disciplines and connect industry partners to help Taiwan translate its technological strengths into a competitive advantage. Under the theme ‘Reinventing Mobility,’ this year’s forum covers AI-enabled connected vehicles, autonomous driving, automotive cybersecurity, testing and validation, new energy, and sustainable mobility. “These areas will shape the next phase of competition in the global smart mobility industry,” said Dr. Hu. “Exchanges among domestic and international experts will help companies identify emerging opportunities and accelerate commercialization.”

ARTC Chairman and TARC Chair Jerry Wang said that ARTC signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with OmniAir Consortium, an international association promoting testing and certification for intelligent transportation systems and connected vehicles. The partnership will introduce international connected-vehicle verification requirements and develop scenario-based validation and interoperability testing methods.

The initiative will combine ARTC’s autonomous vehicle testing facilities with a connected-vehicle testing zone scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, designed to replicate suburban road conditions. It will establish Taiwan’s first internationally recognized smart vehicle connectivity testing site, offering local verification for onboard units (OBUs) and roadside units (RSUs). These services will connect technology development, field validation, and commercial deployment, helping Taiwanese suppliers enter international supply chains.

In cooperation with Germany, ARTC signed an MOU with TUV SUD in 2024, witnessed by DoIT. With MOEA support, ARTC established Taiwan’s only international-grade automotive cybersecurity laboratory in 2026 and received TUV SUD laboratory recognition in June. The laboratory can conduct testing under UN Regulations Nos. 155 and 156, addressing cybersecurity management systems (CSMS) and software update management systems (SUMS).

The laboratory offers more than 100 test services covering cybersecurity analysis, hardware and software integrity, secure data transmission, and over-the-air (OTA) update procedures. These capabilities enable vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers to complete development testing and verification in Taiwan, reducing the costs and timelines associated with overseas testing. They also help companies prepare for Taiwan’s vehicle cybersecurity regulations, scheduled to take effect in 2028, while accelerating access to global markets.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Starting October 6, the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT), Ministry of Economic Affairs, has set up a DoIT Pavilion at the 2026 Taipei Innovative Textile Application Show (TITAS), held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center for three days. Six institutions-the Taiwan Textile Research Institute (TTRI), the Material and Chemical Research Laboratories (MCL) of the Industrial Technology R-esearch Institute (ITRI), the Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF), the Footwear and Recreation Technology Research Institute, the Plastics Industry Development Center (PIDC), and the Printing Technology Research Institute (PTRI)-present more than 40 government-funded R&D results on functional applications, environmental sustainability, and smart manufacturing, spanning materials, processes, and testing and showcasing their cross-disciplinary strength.

DoIT Deputy Director-General Chung-Pin CHOU said that, to meet international brands’ circularity and sustainability requirements and market demand for functional and smart products, DoIT integrates cross-disciplinary R&D capabilities through its institution-led programs. It helps companies raise product value through innovation, promotes technology transfer and diffusion of results, and accelerates commercialization and entry into global supply chains. All six featured technologies have been adopted into companies’ product development, showing that the results are ready for real-world application. DoIT will continue to nurture key industrial technologies.

The six featured technologies have generated technology transfer agreements totaling approximately NT$34 million and a projected production value exceeding NT$1.3 billion. TTRI’s circular athletic footwear won a 2026 R&D 100 Award, known as the “Oscars of Innovation.”

ITRI’s “Textile Purification Driven by Ambient Light and Heat” disperse catalysts uniformly within the fibers, removing more than 90% of odors and harmful gases under everyday light and temperature, with lasting effect. Adopted with Huamao, Norm Pacific Automation , Always Champion Enterprise , and MEY TII ENTERPRISE, they are used in purifying textiles, curtains, automotive air-conditioning filters, paper cat houses, and apparel. Agreements total NT$6 million; projected annual production value exceeds NT$500 million.

TTF’s “Sewing and Application Technology for Protective Textile and Products” integrates ergonomic patterns, reinforced seams, and specialized sewing fixtures, so racing and tactical apparel combines protection with flexibility. Each 50-millimeter width of seam withstands about 30 kilograms-force, stays stable under attached loads, and resists tearing. It also connects printing and protective materials from PTRI, the Footwear and Recreation Technology Research Institute, and PIDC. Adopters:Yuantex, Atunas, and EVER SAFETEX. Agreements total NT$2.15 million; projected production value is NT$470 million.

The Footwear and Recreation Technology Research Institute’s “Less is More:Lighten Your Life with Auxetic Design” enlarges the strap’s contact area with the shoulder and neck as it stretches under load. With lightweight foam and a three-dimensional openwork design, it reduces pressure by at least 15%, verified by pressure measurement, whereas conventional straps concentrate pressure locally. The institute’s mechanical validation helps companies understand pressure-reduction data. Applications include heavy-load backpacks, camera straps, and protective sports gear, with partners SHINHSIEN, BERNY, and AncesPro Industrial CO., LTD. Agreements total approximately NT$3.5 million; projected production value is NT$60 million to NT$100 million.

TTRI’s “Circular Athletic Footwear: One Material, Full Recycling” meets international brands’ circularity requirements. A reusable solvent separates polyurethane and elastane from shoe uppers and removes dyes in one step without damaging the polyester, achieving 99% dye removal and 99.5% recovered polyester purity. The technology links Long John Tsung Right Industrial),Far Eastern New Century, and MIDES in international sports brands’ supply chain, building a footwear recycling and regeneration value chain. Agreements total approximately NT$12.25 million; recycled polyester fabrics are projected to generate about NT$70 million annually.

PIDC’s “Impact-resistant All-Nylon Composite Sports and Protective Equipment” uses nylon as both matrix and reinforcement. Its impact strength exceeds 1,200 J/m, better than the polycarbonate (PC) used in helmets and face shields, at a density of only 1.14 g/cm3, just above water. Unlike conventional composites, it is 100% recyclable, and local production can lower raw material costs to 60% of the original. Applications include racing gloves, knee pads, and pickleball paddles, with partners Lealea), Nam Liong Global, MeiChuan, and Sun Yung . Agreements total NT$8 million; projected annual production value is NT$80 million to NT$120 million.

PTRI’s “Intelligent Spectral Identification and Quality Prediction Technology for Composite Materials” AI with hyperspectral imaging to identify yarn twist type and hairiness without destroying samples, at 97.76% accuracy, and maps conductive-coating uniformity with 95% assessment accuracy. Unlike visual inspection that consumes samples, it is objective and non-consumptive, helping companies catch quality problems early and cut losses. Applied by Jin Shin, HSIEH CHIN, and TSO PIAO CO., LTD. Agreements total approximately NT$2.1 million; projected production value is NT$100 million.

Source: Government of Singapore

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA AND METI

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For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On August 7, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and Kaohsiung City Government co-hosted the “2026 Energy Transition Integrity and Transparency Summit” to strengthen integrity safeguards and enhance information transparency in the process of energy transition. MOEA Vice Minister Chien-hsin Lai attended the summit, underscoring the shared commitment of central and local government to strengthening safeguards for green energy development.

Vice Minister Lai noted that in the AI era, electricity is computing power; a sufficient supply of green energy will provide strong impetus for the low-carbon transition. Because green energy development involves a wide range of regulatory and public-engagement issues, integrity and transparency are indispensable cornerstones. Since its establishment in May 2025, the “Cross-Sector Integrity Platform for Solar Energy” has actively brought together the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office and the Agency Against Corruption, Ministry of Justice. The platform helps clarify regulatory uncertainties early in the process, prevent inadvertent legal violations by public servants, encourage officials to take initiative within the law, and reduce opportunities for misconduct through institutional safeguards, thereby fostering a clean and fair environment for the green energy industry.

According to the Energy Administration, MOEA, clear nationwide review criteria and effective regulatory harmonization are essential to creating a predictable investment environment. To this end, the Executive Yuan conducts in-depth interministerial consultations, with new rules implemented only after interagency consensus has been reached. Aquavoltaics, for example, requires close coordination across electricity regulation, agriculture, building administration, and land-use management. The integrity platform therefore provides a mechanism for standardizing review criteria, coordinating with local governments, and developing clear standards informed by practical implementation experience to support local-level reviews.

To improve public understanding, the Energy Administration stressed that the Solar PV Transparency and Collaboration Action Platform has added three categories of publicly available information to reduce information asymmetry and address public concerns:

First, greater transparency of geospatial information: Residents can readily see how solar PV has been deployed in their area. The platform publishes geospatial data for Type III solar PV projects of 500 kW or above. Through a geographic information system (GIS), users can view projects under construction or already completed and overlay maps of cadastral, aquavoltaics, and other data layers, improving information transparency while supporting more effective disaster preparedness.

Second, greater transparency on community rights and interests: The platform safeguards local residents’ right to know. Since 2024, developers have been required to hold public information sessions before applying for an electricity-enterprise building permit. To ensure that local residents have adequate access to relevant information, the platform consolidates Environmental and Social Review (ESR) information and publishes construction briefing materials, E&S self-assessment forms, and response measures for public access.

Third, greater factual transparency: A dedicated information section addresses issues that are often misunderstood, using scientific evidence and real-world data to resolve public concerns. This includes evidence showing, for example, that floating PV does not adversely affect water quality. During Typhoon Danas, the damage rate for livestock and poultry buildings equipped with PV systems was just 0.1%, compared with 16% for those without PV installations.

Vice Minister Lai emphasized that issues raised by industry representatives and local governments at the forum would continue to be followed up through the integrity platform meetings. The Fisheries Agency and Energy Administration will also be tasked with enhancing review process efficiency. In addition, the Diversified Green Energy Awards, to be presented at this year’s Energy Taiwan, will recognize outstanding industry professionals and showcase exemplary demonstration projects, helping successful practices gain wider adoption across the sector.

In response to the wide-ranging challenges of the energy transition, the forum brought together representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Justice, Kaohsiung City Government, China Steel Corporation (CSC), and Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) for cross-sector dialogue. Over its first year of operation, the “Cross-Sector Integrity Platform for Solar Energy” has produced tangible results in effectively preventing fraud and corruption, standardizing review criteria, and addressing public concerns through the transparent disclosure of empirical data.

MOEA hopes the event will further strengthen collaboration on integrity, information transparency, and cross-sector governance. Going forward, it will continue to broadly gather feedback from judicial authorities, local governments, businesses, and state-owned enterprises to foster an energy-transition environment defined by integrity, transparency, and efficient governance, and to work together toward a fair, transparent, and sustainable energy future.

Spokesperson:
Deputy Director General Chen, Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Tel: +886-2-2775-7700 / +886-919-998-339

Business Contact:
Director Yen, Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Tel: +886-2-2775-7620

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Accountancy Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Association of Hong Kong Accounting Advisors Limited 0   Chinese medicine Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today WFCMS (Hong Kong) Council Members Association Limited 0     Legal Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today China Law Society’s HK Council Members Association 0   Sports, performing arts, culture and publication Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China 0 China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association Limited 0 Hong Kong Publishing Federation Limited 0   Technology and innovation Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians 0   Religious Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong 0 Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association 0 Hong Kong Christian Council 0 The Hong Kong Taoist Association 0 The Confucian Academy 0 The Hong Kong Buddhist Association 0   Representatives of associations of Hong Kong residents in the Mainland Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today Mainland China (Shenzhen) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 Mainland China (Guangzhou) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 Mainland China (Dongguan) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 Mainland China (Zhongshan) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 Mainland China (Huizhou) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 Mainland China (Fujian, Xiamen) Consultant Services Centre, The Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Tianjin 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Shanghai 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Zhejiang 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangdong 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Fujian 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangxi 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Sichuan 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Wuhan 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Liaoning 0 Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Shandong 0 Hong Kong Professionals (Beijing) Association 0 Shanghai Hong Kong Association 0 Guangzhou Tianhe Hong Kong and Macau Youth Association 0 Hong Kong Association of China Business 1 (1 nominee in total) Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, Qianhai, Shenzhen 0 Hong Kong and Macau Entrepreneurs Branch, Chongqing Overseas Association 0 Fujian Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs 0 Hong Kong and Macao Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Federation in Zhongkai Huizhou 0 Hong Kong Fellowship in Huadu Guangzhou 0 Hong Kong Fellowship in Chancheng Foshan 0     Total: 2 (2 nominees in total)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs detected a trafficking drug case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (October 6), and seized about 6 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.1 million. Two men were arrested.

A 43-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Manila, the Philippines, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds concealed in his carry-on suitcase. The man was then arrested. After investigations, Customs officers arrested a 52-year-old Mainland male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday and was suspected to be connected with the case. Subsequently, Customs officers found 88 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette inside his carry-on baggage during Customs clearance.
 
The two arrested men has been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and the second arrested man has been charged with one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 8).
 
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
 
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
 
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
 
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, 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 drug trafficking 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 – 4

     A total of 180 wet goods stalls and four fast food stalls were all successfully let in an auction for stalls at the 2027 Victoria Park Chinese New Year Fair starting today (October 7).

     Nearly 400 people attended the auction at the Assembly Hall, 2/F, Lai Chi Kok Government Offices, 19 Lai Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon, from 9am to about 6.45pm today, a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said.

     The average bid price for the wet goods stalls was $15,700, with the successful bids ranging from $6,530 to $53,000. The highest bid of $53,000 was about 8.1 times the opening price of $6,530.

     The auction of wet goods stalls fetched a total of $2,824,632, compared with $4,303,766 last year.

     The successful bids of the four fast food stalls ranged from $150,000 to $280,000 with an average of $220,000, against an opening price of $120,470.

     The auction for the 216 dry goods stalls at the 2027 Victoria Park Chinese New Year Fair, including 170 regular size dry goods stalls and 46 large size dry goods stall, will be held at 9am tomorrow (October 8) and on Friday (October 9) at the same venue.

     The spokesman reminded the successful bidders to comply with all the stipulations and provisions as set out in the licence agreement. Otherwise, the department is entitled to terminate the agreement and the licensee shall immediately vacate the stall.