MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

As of noon today, donations received for the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po reached $2 billion, on top of the $300 million start-up capital from the Government, taking the fund’s total to around $2.3 billion.

The Government said the fund will be used to provide long-term and sustained support to assist the residents in rebuilding their homes.

It earlier announced that the Support Fund will provide the families of each deceased victim with a token of solidarity of $200,000, as well as $50,000 to cover funeral costs. As of today, a total of 21 cases have been processed.

In addition, the Support Fund will also provide a $50,000 living allowance to each affected household. As of today, 104 cases have been processed. Disbursement of the above-mentioned relief is underway.

The Government has been offering an emergency subsidy of $10,000 per affected household since November 27. As of 4pm today, it had registered more than 1,930 households for the subsidy, with disbursements made to 1,916 households.

Social workers from the Social Welfare Department (SWD) have been in contact with more than 1,500 affected households so far for registration of the “one social worker per household” follow-up service.

The SWD also deployed social workers and clinical psychologists to accompany families in attending vigils at the scene today and provided them with emotional support.

As of the morning of December 2, 1,013 residents have been accommodated, through the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau’s co-ordination, in youth hostels, camps or hotel rooms. Another 1,607 residents have moved into the Housing Bureau’s transitional housing units or Housing Society units.

As for the supplies donation online platform established by the Government and the information technology sector, since it began operation on November 30, the Government has so far received over 860 registrations. The donation items included food and beverages, clothing, daily necessities, bedding and electrical appliances.

Police today deployed 330 officers from the Disaster Victim Identification Unit (DVIU) to continue a search of the remaining two buildings most affected by the fire. As of 4pm today, Police handled 13 sets of human remains in the buildings – five newly found and eight found by firefighters but yet to be removed. The number of deceased has been updated to 156.

Forensic pathologists from the Department of Health continued to assist DVIU personnel on-site in collecting evidence. As of 4pm today, the next-of-kin of 116 victims have completed the necessary procedures at the Fu Shan Public Mortuary.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department has arranged dedicated staff for each family of the deceased to assist them in making funeral arrangements at their preferred time and location.

Furthermore, the Government will waive the fees for columbarium and related services, and provide $50,000 to the families of each deceased person through the “one social worker per household” service to cover funeral and related expenses.

On investigation work, the Fire Services Department (FSD) continues to take photos and gather evidence at the fire scene, and is discussing with the Lands Department to create a 3D model to assist in the investigation.

Police have so far arrested a total of 15 people on suspicion of manslaughter, including two individuals from a construction company arrested last night and 13 people arrested earlier.

Additionally, the Housing Department’s Independent Checking Unit (ICU) conducted a meeting with structural engineering experts and professionals from the Housing Department (HD) today, to study the structure of the Wang Fuk Court buildings in detail, and formulate an action plan for extracting concrete cores samples for detailed analysis.

Additionally, firefighters are assisting the HD with temporary reinforcement work for 13 units in Wang Cheong Court.

The ICU today contacted representatives of Sui Wo Court, Ching Lai Court, Yee Kok Court and On Kay Court once again, and noted that the registered contractors have proactively started dismantling the protective nets in the respective housing courts.

For Wang Chi House, the HD’s contractor will remove the plastic sheeting on the external walls as well as the protective nets, after departments, including the FSD and the Labour Department (LD) have completed evidence collection on-site.

Government departments continued their special inspections. As of today, the Buildings Department has taken samples from 352 private buildings and sent them for testing in batches. The Architectural Services Department has also inspected all of its 18 public works building projects and collected samples for testing.

The LD launched a citywide special enforcement operation on November 28, targeting the fire protection facilities and fire emergency preparedness of building maintenance work sites with large-scale scaffolding. As of 4pm, the LD had inspected 110 construction sites, issued a total of 70 written warnings and 46 improvement notices, and taken out 11 prosecutions.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today announced that the 2025 Legislative Council General Election will be held as scheduled for December 7, and the eight remaining election forums that were suspended immediately following the Tai Po blaze will resume.

Those eight functional constituency forums will take place on December 3 and 4, with four held each day.

They will be adjusted to allow time for candidates to express their opinions on the supporting work for affected residents and post-disaster recovery.

In view of the fire in Tai Po, the Registration & Electoral Office will make new arrangements for three polling stations in the district which will mainly affect voters at Wang Fuk Court, Kwong Fuk Estate, Tai Po Kau and Tai Po Hui.

In light of the latest blaze situation, the Government will not hold the Election Fun Day on December 6. Only informative activities such as the roving exhibition to be held at Plaza Hollywood in Diamond Hill will be kept. Other carnivals, fun days as well as a variety show will be cancelled.

The free admission to facilities and offers arranged by government departments for all members of the public on December 6 and 7 will continue.

In addition, voters will be presented with a thank-you card from the Government as planned.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today extended its condolences to the families of the foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) who died in the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, and offered compensation and financial assistance totalling around $800,000 to the families of the deceased.

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun announced the support measures at a media session this afternoon, noting that according to official records, 10 FDHs passed away in the fire incident.

“For foreign domestic helpers who died in the fire, apart from the statutory compensation which will be over HK$500,000, they will also be receiving a one-off financial assistance of HK$200,000, plus another HK$50,000 of support.

“Adding all those together, for foreign domestic helpers who died in the fire, (their families) will be receiving roughly HK$800,000. That is roughly equivalent to US$100,000.”

The labour chief added that the helpers who were injured in the blaze will receive a one-off financial assistance of $50,000 or $100,000, depending on the period of their hospitalisation.

Furthermore, FDHs who were injured or survived will also be provided with $20,000 and given an Octopus Card with an amount of $2,000.

Mr Sun also reported that three FDHs were injured and 30 are reported missing.

“I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased foreign domestic helpers. At the same time, I wish all those who were injured in the fire a very speedy recovery.

“We are truly grateful for their selflessness and also their heroic acts during the fire because many of them, they were taking care of the elderly, children and babies in Wang Fuk Court.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Education Bureau today announced that students of Tai Po Baptist Public School (TPBPS) will resume face-to-face classes in classrooms of two other Tai Po schools from mid-December, as their own school will remain closed for a certain period of time due to the fire at Wang Fuk Court last week.

In order to facilitate early resumption of the school’s normal teaching routine and provide proper care for the students, the bureau has co-ordinated with others schools in Tai Po district to deploy available classrooms.

TPBPS students will attend classes at the premises of Tai Po Government Primary School and N.T.W.J.W.A Christian Remembrance of Grace Primary School from mid-December.

For the next two weeks, TPBPS has arranged for students to resume classes in various modes. This includes attending classes in classrooms of other schools in Tai Po District and participating in learning activities at different venues.

The bureau said it fully supports Tai Po Government Primary School in lending out its classrooms and is grateful for the support and co-operation of N.T.W.J.W.A Christian Remembrance of Grace Primary School in helping affected students resume their studies.

The bureau has set up a working group dedicated to implementing the arrangements outlined.

The Government will earmark $5 million to support the operations of the abovementioned schools during the transition period and to provide appropriate learning and teaching assistance to students and teachers.

The bureau said it will continue to maintain close contact with the schools and provide necessary assistance.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hongkong Post announced today (December 2) that, as advised by the postal administration of Indonesia, mail delivery services to Bireuen, Lhokseumawe and Aceh Utara, Aceh Timur, Aceh Tamiang, Bener Meriah, Aceh Tengah, Gayo Lues, Aceh Tenggara, Nagan Raya and Aceh Singkil are subject to delays due to extreme weather conditions.

Source: Government of Western Samoa

[Press Release, 02/12/2025] – The 26th Pacific History Association (PHA) Conference was officially opened this morning at the National University of Samoa (NUS) with a traditional ‘ava ceremony, following a devotion led by Reverend Dr Latu Latai of the EFKS Apia.

Professor Tuifuisa’a Patila Amosa, Vice-Chancellor of NUS, delivered the welcome address and reflected on the conference theme, Le Solosoloū: Resilience in the Face of Adversity. She noted that the theme resonates deeply with the university’s own experiences of teaching and learning through cyclones, pandemics, resource constraints, and competing responsibilities. She emphasised that gathering to reflect on how Pacific peoples have navigated adversity across generations is not an abstract exercise, but a chance to make sense of current work, responsibilities, and contexts.

Professor Tuifuisa’a highlighted that this conference brings together an extraordinary range of interests, including oral traditions and memory, colonial encounters, political history, maritime worlds, gender and intergenerational resilience, education, economic futures, climate change, archives, art, and performance. She encouraged students and emerging researchers to embrace this rare opportunity to witness Pacific history being practiced at such scale and depth.

Acknowledging the long distances travelled by many participants, she expressed appreciation for those who came to share insights, new archival discoveries, community collaborations, theoretical perspectives, and creative work. With over 200 participants gathering in Samoa, she affirmed the vitality and relevance of Pacific historical scholarship.

Remarks were also delivered by Associate Professor Tuala Saui’a Louise Mataia Milo, Chair of the NUS PHA Committee, who underscored the importance of bringing back old words like Le solosoloū and the histories and practices they carry. This was followed by an address from the PHA President, Dr Togialelei Safua Akeli Ama’ama, who emphasised the significance of this year’s gathering for regional scholarship and cultural dialogue.

The Opening Keynote Address was delivered by the Honorable Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma, Minister of Education. His keynote laid the foundation for the discussions ahead, focusing on Pacific knowledge, heritage, and historical dialogue. Attendees were also treated to a special Anofale history storytelling performance.

The ceremony marked a vibrant beginning to three days of scholarly exchange, cultural celebration, and meaningful conversations that will unfold across the conference programme.

The NUS PHA Committee extends its sincere appreciation to its sponsors – the Pacific History Association, UNESCO, CSL, SPREP, and the Pacific Climate Change Centre – for their invaluable support.

END

December 2, 2025

Source: Government of Western Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE, 27th November 2025] – The Minister for Commerce, Industry and Labour and Trade Negotiations, Honorable Fata Ryan Schuster has signed the Phase II of the Implementing Arrangement for Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) under the PACER Plus Agreement on behalf of Samoa during the 2025 PACER Plus Ministers Meeting on Thursday, 27th November 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The PACER Plus Agreement is a regional trade and development pact among 11 Pacific Island countries—Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu—together with Australia and New Zealand. After more than seven years of negotiations, the Agreement was concluded in April 2017 and signed in June 2017 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.

Samoa was the first Pacific Island country to ratify the PACER Plus Agreement on 22 July 2019, showing leadership in promoting regional trade in the Pacific.

Samoa is also host for the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), established in 2021 to help member countries carry out their trade related commitments and targeted needs under the DEC Work Programme.

A key feature from the Ministers Meeting was the announcement by Australia and New Zealand of renewed and increased funding for the next five-year cycle of the DEC Work Programme – AUD 23.2 million from Australia and NZD 10 million from New Zealand.

Ministers from member countries welcomed this commitment and proceeded to sign the Phase II Implementing Arrangement for DEC under the PACER Plus.

This second Phase will focus on strengthening capacity, improving market access, and supporting sustainable economic development across the Pacific. Samoa welcomes this renewed partnership and acknowledges the significant contribution of both governments.

In his national statement, Honourable Fata Ryan Schuster reaffirmed Samoa’s commitment to strengthening the PACER Plus Agreement to ensure that the priorities in the Work Programme continue to deliver practical development outcomes, noting:

“Samoa acknowledges the solid progress made under the PACER Plus Work Programme. As Parties, we each carry commitments, and it is important that this shared responsibility continues to guide how we move forward together. We remain committed to ensuring PACER Plus delivers real and lasting benefits for our region.”

The Minister also acknowledged the Governments of Australia and New Zealand for their ongoing financial, advisory and technical support under their Aid-for-Trade commitments.

He noted that this assistance is essential to the effective implementation of PACER Plus and to supporting member countries to build capacity and to meet their obligations.

The Government commends the Minister on the success of his first international trip. He was accompanied by Mr. Henry Tunupopo, ACEO Trade Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Ms. Leilua Sosefina Fa’amausili, Assistant Attorney General – Commercial and International Law; and Ms. Theresa Penn, Principal Foreign Service Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

December 2, 2025

Source: Government of Western Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE 25 November 2025] – The Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo led Samoa’s delegation to the EU Indo Pacific Ministerial Forum held in Brussels, Belgium from 20 to 21 November 2025. The Forum was attended by around 70 delegations from the EU membership and institutions as well as from countries and regional organisations from across the East coast of Africa to Asia and to the Pacific Islands countries.

The fourth EU–Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum, builds on the success of the previous editions in Paris (2022), Stockholm (2023) and Brussels (2024). It serves as a high-level platform for dialogue aimed at shaping a collective vision for the region’s future and identifying concrete actions to strengthen cooperation and solidarity. The Forum was chaired by High Representative of Foreign Affairs and Security and Vice President of the European Commission Ms. Kaja Kallas.

The Deputy Prime Minister co-moderated with the Executive Vice President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera the round table on Common endeavours for a clean and sustainable future, where discussions were centred around how climate mitigation and adaptation can go hand in hand with sustainable growth, focusing on clean energy, renewable hydrogen, circular economy and ocean governance with the aim to advance cooperation on the green transition through partnerships. He sent a strong message to the meetings of the importance of meeting the 1.5 degree goal of the Paris Agreement.

“Implementing rather than rolling back on green policies should be another strong signal we can send from Brussels this week. Only through genuine cooperation and mutual trust can we craft solutions that no single nation could achieve alone.” Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa.

He also stressed that the global financial architecture must evolve to deliver finance at the speed and scale of the climate crisis. During the high-level event on the Protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure the Deputy Prime Minister was one of the key speakers and he highlighted the importance of regional and cross regional collaboration in order to combat the challenges we are facing in the Pacific region such as IUU fishing, transnational crimes at sea, trafficking, environmental and resources exploitation issues.

While in Brussels, Honourable Toelupe also met with other high level delegations to discuss issues of mutual concern and strengthen partnerships for the benefit of Samoa and its people. These included a Pacific Joint Dialogue with the EU Parliamentarian and Chair of Constitutional Affairs and Vice Chair of the Delegation to the Pacific- EU Assembly, Mr. Sven Simon. They discussed the Samoa Agreement and its implementation, regional geopolitics and upcoming EU-Pacific Parliamentarian meetings.

Moreover, the Deputy Prime Minister also met with the Secretary General of OACPS, H.E Mr Moussa Batraki, to identify key priorities for the African, Caribbean and Pacific organization to ensure the effective implementation of the Samoa Agreement and to hear a briefing on the upcoming 11th ACP Leaders’ Summit to be held in Equatorial Guinea in 2026. Other bilateral meeting included the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Mr. Vidmantas Verbickas and the Foreign Minister of Germany, Dr. Johann Wadephul to discuss the strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation. The Deputy Prime Minister also had an opportunity for a brief meeting with the EU High Representative/Vice President Ms. Kaja Kallas.

Samoa’s delegation included Mrs. Peseta Noumea Simi, CEO for Foreign Affairs and Trade, H.E Sauiao Francella Strickland, Ambassador of Samoa to Belgium and the EU, Ms. Noelani Manoa, Counsellor to the Embassy of Samoa and Ms. Michaela Procazkova, Adviser with the Embassy of Samoa.

END.

December 2, 2025

Source: Government of Western Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE] -Samoa will host the next round of the Atoa Samoa talks in 2026. A tentative date for the inter-government meeting is scheduled for early March.

American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Samoa’s Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt have tasked officials to finalise the agenda for their first inter-government meeting since both were elected as Governor and Prime Minister respectively.

The two leaders met Monday morning at the Tradewinds Hotel, Tafuna for informal talks and courtesy calls ending a 4-day invitation from the territory’s Legislature for the Prime Minister and le afioga I le Ao Mamalu o le Malo, his highness the Head of State afioga Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II as guests of honour to witness the dedication of the new Legislative Building Complex.

Governor Pulaali’i extended well wishes to the Prime Minister, his First Lady, First Lady Tupea Heather Schmidt and the entire Samoan Government, expressing hopes for a successful remainder of the month and a joyful, safe holiday season.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean and Speaker of the House Savali Talavou Ale led the Legislature’s delegation to see the Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa and delegation return home Monday afternoon.

END.

December 2, 2025

Source: Government of Western Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE, 01/12/2025] – The National University of Samoa launched the Pacific Adoption of Waste-to-Energy Solutions (PAWES) Project, including its Waste-to-Energy (WtE) initiative, at a ceremony held on campus today, 1 December. This event represents a substantial advancement in the University’s commitment to advancing environmental research, sustainable innovation, and resilience-building across Samoa and the broader Pacific.

The programme opened with a prayer by Rev. Malotau Lafolafoga and welcoming remarks by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tuifuisaa Patila Amosa. In her address, Professor Amosa emphasized that the initiative marks “an important milestone in our shared commitments to sustainability and innovation.” She highlighted how the project demonstrates the intellectual capacity and creativity of NUS students and academic staff in addressing real-world environmental challenges through research-led and practice-oriented solutions.

As part of its broader sustainability agenda, the Faculty of Science has coordinated the Waste to Energy (WtE) Scholarship project supporting four students enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Science, majoring in Renewable Energy. Their research focuses on the installation, demonstration, and operation of renewable energy technologies that directly benefit the University. Under this programme, four students have successfully installed two anaerobic biodigester systems on the NUS campus.

These systems convert food waste from the university canteen and restaurant into biogas, which will be used to fuel cooking ovens, while the remaining by-products will serve as organic fertilizer for campus agricultural and landscaping activities. These biodigesters represent a significant step forward in promoting sustainable campus practices. They reduce waste, support food production, and advance the use of renewable energy. Their operation will not only benefit the NUS community but also serve as a model of environmentally responsible innovation for institutions across the Pacific region.

The keynote address was delivered by Acting CEO of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI), Tofilau Shamila Leavai, who highlighted that the installation of the first anaerobic biodigester system at NUS is more than the introduction of new technology. It is “a powerful statement that Samoa is not merely responding to global environmental challenges, but actively innovating and shaping solutions grounded in scientific inquiry and environmental stewardship.” Professor Funemalafai Taema Imo-Seuoti, Project Coordinator, delivered a comprehensive overview of the PAWES project’s conceptual foundations and anticipated contributions to sustainable development, particularly in advancing regional capacity in renewable energy research and waste-to-energy solutions.

The ceremony concluded with an official ribbon-cutting by Pro-Chancellor Professor Letuimanu’asina Emma Kruse Va’ai, symbolizing NUS’s continued leadership in sustainability-focused research and academic excellence. NUS acknowledges the valued support of the Pacific Community SPC Ms Christine Deo-Reddy, Ms Lilian Penaia, SPREP, and MWTI for endorsing and enabling the scholarship programme. The University also extends its sincere gratitude to Professor Muagututi’a Ioana Chan Mow and Autagavaia Tupuivao Vaiaso for their dedicated mentorship of the students engaged in this project.

END

The National University of Samoa

December 2, 2025