MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

(unofficial translation) 

Today marks the 579th anniversary of the creation of our proud alphabet, Hangeul.

Hangeul is the only alphabet in the world with a clear record of when and how it was created, and it’s still celebrated today.

Foreign scholars praise Hangeul as “the best alphabet that every language dreams of” and “the most scientific writing system in the world.” Hangeul is not only outstanding and creative but also a cultural heritage that holds the wisdom and history of our people.

In particular, democracy, equality, and the spirit of popular sovereignty are deeply embedded in Hangeul, which was created for “the people to easily learn and use in their daily lives,” despite opposition from the ruling class at the time.

A country where ordinary people can freely communicate and express themselves through Hangeul. The world Hangeul portrays is another version of a country that belongs to the people.
Hangeul is now spreading beyond Korea and reaching the world. Across 87 countries, 252 King Sejong Institutes are promoting our alphabet and culture, with 12,000 people currently on the waiting list to enroll in classes.

The Korean Wave, or Hallyu, which is capturing the hearts around the world, also stems from the power of Hangeul, a script that fully expresses our thoughts and feelings. The Republic of Korea’s dream of becoming a cultural powerhouse, where people across the globe read our novels, sing our songs, and laugh and cry watching our movies and dramas, is turning into reality through Hangeul.

Korean linguist Ju Si-gyeong once said “The key to a country’s success or failure depends on how much its people love their language.” I believe that how firmly will Hallyu takes root in the world will also depend on our love for Hangeul, the source of our culture.

Just in time, the ‘Hangeul Hanmadang’ Festival will be held from today until next Saturday, October 18th, to reflect on the value and importance of Hangeul. I hope many people participate, making it a meaningful occasion to celebrate the importance of Hangeul together.

At the heart of the Republic of Korea, a cultural powerhouse leading the world’s culture, will always be our great Hangeul, just as it is now and will be in the future.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Fellow Koreans and overseas Koreans, I hope you are all spending a warm and joyful time with your families, friends, and neighbors.

The hot summer is over, and Chuseok is just around the corner.

Korean Thanksgiving is a time to wish for a fruitful year and hope for a better tomorrow, but it is difficult to fully enjoy the holiday amid the many challenges people face in their daily lives.

As the president entrusted with taking care of the people’s lives, I feel a heavy sense of responsibility.

I will fully dedicate myself to state affairs to ease the burdens of those struggling with life’s hardships and to improve their quality of life.

I will spare no effort help our industry and nation grow and make a great leap forward.

I firmly believe that we can overcome any difficulties as our people possess the will and determination for a better tomorrow.

Chuseok, a time to share warm greetings with families and neighbors, is Korea’s major holiday that everyone eagerly awaits together.

As the saying goes, ‘No more, no less – may it always be like Korean Thanksgiving Day’, like the full moonlight that shines evenly on all of us, may your families be filled with good health and happiness. Thank you.

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

My fellow Korean citizens, and proud members of the Armed Forces,
I sincerely congratulate you on the 77th anniversary of our Armed Forces Day.

I am filled with pride and emotions as I stand before the full strength of our military here at Gyeryongdae, the heart of our armed forces that defend air, land, and sea of the Republic of Korea.

I extend my deepest gratitude and heartfelt applause to all the courageous service members who dedicate themselves to protecting our territory and our sovereign people.

I also pay tribute and express deep appreciation to the independence fighters and Liberation Army participated in the Korean independence movement, to the fallen heroes, war veterans, and reservists who sacrificed and dedicated themselves to the nation.

My sincere thanks as well to the U.S. Forces Korea and the United Nations Command for standing with us to preserve peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Fellow members of the armed forces,
Today marks the 77th Armed Forces Day, yet the history of our military began long before that.

The independence fighters and Liberation Army, who fought for our nation’s freedom, are the roots and foundation of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.

They led the way in reclaiming our nation from devastation and, together with the Allied forces, brought about liberation. Without their blood-stained struggle, neither the shining 80th anniversary of our liberation nor the remarkable progress since would have been possible.

We must never forget that the spirit of those who fought with their lives to regain sovereignty and protect the people is a noble duty our armed forces must remember and protect.

I urge our forces to stay committed to their duty of protecting the country and people with great pride.

Looking back our history, when the military lost sight of its mission and became the means for personal power, democracy severely deteriorated and the people had to suffer in the great pain.

On December 3rd last year, sided with those in power, very small fraction of military commanders forgot their duty and turned their guns on the people.

Fortunately, thanks to the soldiers, as citizens in uniforms, who had the courage to resist an unfair order, we were able to avoid greater tragedy and disaster.

However, the consequences are truly immense.
Following a regression in democracy, breakdown of people’s livelihood, fall in national reputation, the damage our people suffered was too huge to measure simply by adding it up.

Our military’s reputation and credibility suffered an endless decline.

An army meant to protect the people must never, under any circumstances, point its guns at them.

The military needs to regain the people’s trust swiftly and properly fulfill its duty and responsibilities.

Let’s work together to become armed forces trusted by the people and proudly follow the path of an honorable solider.

As a commander-in-chief and the president who is responsible for Korean citizens, I will clear remnants of illegal martial law and strengthen institutional framework to rebuild the military that protects Constitution and the people.

Join us the path where our military reborn as a democratic republic’s military and the people’s military.

Fellow Koreans and our proud members of the Armed Forces, those of us living today are given with shared responsibility.

Lantern of ‘peace’ must be lifted to ensure that the blood and sweat of patriotic martyrs and fallen heroes are not in vain, and to secure a bright future of the Republic of Korea they have protected.

Building a peaceful nation free from war concerns, and a hopeful nation where all individuals enjoy serene and free lives and can dream about the future is a responsibility given to us.

Achieving peace is possible on a strong foundation of security, and the most reliable form of security is a state where conflict is unnecessary, in other words, peace.

Without peace, the development of democracy and economic growth are all impossible delusion.
It is difficult to protect the people’s lives and safety if a country has no power.

We must make our country strong, able to firmly repel threats to peace and daily life, and an impregnable nation that no one dares to encroach upon our sovereignty.

Over the past 77 years, the Republic of Korea has developed a stronger defense power than ever before in its history.

From a country which used to rely on allies for weapons, it has now become a country with strong defense industry, exporting cutting-edge tanks, self-propelled artillery, fighter jets, and submarines

Republic of Korea is a powerful nation with the world’s fifth strongest military strength, spending on defense 1.4 times more than North Korea’s GDP, and our integrated national strength, economically and culturally, rivals any other country.

We also have strong ties with countries that share values, a solid ROK-U.S. alliance, and a reliable nuclear deterrent based on that partnership.

There is no reason to doubt our national defense power and even less reason to feel anxious.

We should move toward a strong, self-reliant defense, based on our pride and confidence in our military power.

To respond actively to the changing security environment, self-reliant defense is a must.

The longest period of peace and coexistence in history is coming to an end.

The momentum for cooperation and shared prosperity is weakening across the world, and we are entering an era of increased conflict, where it’s every man for himself.

To ensure peace and prosperity for the Republic of Korea, we must not depend on anyone else but strengthen our own power.

I make three promises to turn the dream of a strong self-reliant defense nation, one that can protect our security and peace in any situation, into reality.

First, we will build a ‘smart, elite, strong force’ that will lead future warfare and secure victory.
Advanced innovative technology is changing the paradigm of the battlefield.

Since future battlefields are expected to have no people, outdated tactics like human-wave strategy that relies on troop numbers is not enough anymore.

A military equipped with integrated manned and unmanned advanced weapon systems like AI combat robots, autonomous drones, and precision attack and defense missile systems are the solution.

We will allocate 66.3 trillion Korean won for next year’s defense budget, with a significant on-year increase of 8.2%, focusing on investing in introducing advanced weapon systems and cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence, drones, and robot.

We will reform our military into capable and professional smart, elite forces by significantly expanding the investment in defense strategic technology sector including advanced aero engine and stealth technology.

The Republic of Korea will lead a joint defense posture with Washington by regaining the operational control based on firm ROK-U.S. alliance.

Solid combined defense capability and posture will not only bring peace and stability to the Korean Peninsula but also significantly contribute to the region’s stability and shared prosperity.

Second, we will catch two birds with one stone: strengthening national defense and economic development by actively fostering defense industry.

Our defense industry, known for its outstanding performance and high efficiency, is the backbone of a strong security as well as a promising future industry.

The harsh terrain and division of the Korean Peninsula laid the foundation for the world-recognized K-defense we have today.

We will help the K-defense grow globally by turning rapidly changing global security landscape into an opportunity.

We will boldly invest in developing defense technology and support in building a defense ecosystem to ensure that the growth of defense industry drives both strong national defense and economic development.

Third, we will improve soldiers’ welfare and raise their morale.

We will improve service conditions and compensation system to ensure soldiers’ safety.

We will improve the conditions for junior officers, who are key of frontline combat power, and boost job security for mid-level officers, the backbone of the military.

We will improve support and better treat injured soldiers with honor so that cynical lament of ‘The state’s children are called up; ignored when injured’ no longer be tolerated.

We will make sure all soldiers take pride in being party of a strong military that paves the way for peace and prosperity.

From now on, Korea’s military will become the strongest force, standing firm against any threat, under a powerful defense and firm readiness posture to protect the lives and property of the people.

Fellow proud members of the armed forces, we have long been taught and teaching that soldiers protect the country.
The basis of the ‘nation’ that we need to protect is the people.

Our Constitution states that ‘all state authority shall emanate from the people.’
Therefore, protecting the country means protecting the people.

For soldiers, honor, the highest virtue and value, comes from the trust of the people.

When our military upholds the Constitution and democratic value, and faithfully serves as ‘loyal soldiers of the people’, the trust of the people will grow, and military’s honor will rise.

There is no stronger military than one trusted by the people. When our military becomes truly ‘of the people, by the people’, it will carry even greater strength.

Let’s focus on protecting the people, not power, and become a powerful elite force that defends the peace and prosperity of our country, following the will of the people.

I will do my best to make sure the dedication and sacrifices of our soldiers shine with honor and pride.

We trust the soldiers of the Republic of Korea.
We feel reassured because of all of you.

Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hospital Authority (HA) today urged citizens with financial difficulties to avoid misusing Accident & Emergency Departments or Family Medicine Clinics to apply for medical fee waivers.

It stressed that individuals with financial difficulties do not need to rush to apply for medical fee waivers, and should not make unnecessary appointments solely for the purpose of obtaining such waivers.

In response to a media report, citing a community service organisation, that a citizen who did not have a follow-up appointment at a public hospital was unable to apply for medical fee waivers, the HA clarified that it proactively assists eligible individuals in securing waivers before accessing public healthcare services.

The HA is now accepting applications for medical fee waivers from patients with scheduled appointments within two months. Individuals with scheduled appointments beyond two months, or without any appointments, do not need to apply at this stage.

The HA emphasised that it has repeatedly explained the arrangements to the media and relevant organisations recently, and it deeply regrets that the messages have not been fully understood. It also called on all sectors to work together in supporting vulnerable groups in the community.

Additionally, the HA pointed out that the case cited in the news report demonstrated that when individuals have financial difficulties and require public healthcare services, they can obtain approval for medical fee waivers on the same day, even for next-day clinic appointments.

The application process is neither complicated nor difficult, it added.

The HA urges the public to use public resources wisely. Individuals should only apply for medical fee waivers when they have genuine medical needs and have confirmed appointments with public healthcare services.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn joined the 60th Anniversary Fun Day of the Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong today at the Tseung Kwan O Desalination Plant. Hosted by the Water Supplies Department (WSD), the event offered game booths, exhibitions, stage performances and guided tours.

Visitors also enjoyed taking photos with Water Save Dave, the WSD mascot, at various spots throughout the venue.

Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific & Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Ye Shui-qiu and more than 2,000 members of the public attended the event.

As a centrepiece of activities to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong, the WSD said the Fun Day is designed to offer participants a joyful experience while fostering a deeper appreciation of the country’s long-standing care and support for the city.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, Ms Linn noted that the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the WSD have joined hands with professional and community groups to organise a series of diverse commemorative events under the theme “Dongjiang River – An Inseparable Bond, Our Blessed Origin” since September 2024, so far attracting more than 4 million people.

Ms Linn said these events have served as poignant reminders of the country’s enduring support and care for Hong Kong through the provision of Dongjiang water.

She remarked that celebrating this 60th anniversary is not just an act of honouring a rich legacy, but an opportunity to continue writing an everlasting living history.

In addition, she stressed that through school and public education, the DEVB and the WSD will continue to promote the patriotic messages that encourage students and the general public to be grateful for the care rendered by the country to Hong Kong.

The WSD said that for the first time, Hong Kong has been declared as one of the sub-venues of the nationwide “Water Conservation China Tour” organised by the Ministry of Water Resources in 2026.

The department added that it will use the opportunities provided by the Fun Day and a series of coming related activities to promote a culture of water conservation and enhance public awareness of water saving.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Located on an artificial island near Shek Kwu Chau, the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase I, I·PARK1, represents a significant step forward in Hong Kong’s sustainable waste management strategy. As the city’s first waste‑to‑energy plant designed specifically to tackle municipal solid waste, I·PARK1 plays a key role in reducing reliance on landfills while producing energy.

I·PARK1 comprises three incineration modules. The first has commenced trial operations, while the remaining two modules will undergo phased testing and trials throughout the first quarter of 2026. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to process up to 3,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day and generate about 480 million kilowatt‑hours of surplus electricity annually for the city’s existing power grid, enough to meet the needs of 100,000 households.

Minimising waste

Municipal solid waste collected from across the city is first compacted and sealed in containers before being transported by vessels to I·PARK1. Upon arrival, the containers are unloaded at the berth and transferred by dedicated trailers to the processing building, where the waste is tipped into a bunker inside the tipping hall. Both the tipping hall and the waste bunker are maintained under negative pressure to prevent odour leakage.

From there, an overhead crane hoists the waste and feeds it into an incineration furnace. During the process, the waste is gradually pushed forward by a moving grate to ensure optimal combustion, while the heat energy generated is used to produce electricity.

Environmental Protection Department Senior Environmental Protection Officer (Infrastructure Development) Christopher Chan explained that waste inside the specially designed incinerator is combusted at temperatures exceeding 850 degrees Celsius. The flue gas produced must remain at this temperature for at least two seconds, ensuring complete combustion. Combined with high turbulence flow technology, this process guarantees the waste is completely combusted and organic pollutants, including dioxins, are thoroughly destroyed.

Sustainable measures

Mr Chan added that I·PARK1 is equipped with a highly efficient air pollution control system to treat all flue gas emissions. The system is designed to ensure compliance with the stringent emission limits set out in the Specified Process Licence issued under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance. The contractor is required to continuously monitor flue gas emissions with online monitoring equipment. The environmental monitoring data will then be verified and made available to the public through a dedicated website, as required by the Environmental Permit and the contract.

I·PARK1 will also provide education and leisure facilities to the public. While introducing the latest waste-to-energy technology in the environmental education centre, interactive exhibits will offer information about Hong Kong’s waste management and resource recovery efforts. Visits to the environmental education facilities will be ready for advance booking once I·PARK1 is fully operational.

The Environmental Protection Department is pressing ahead with the development of I·PARK2 at Tsang Tsui in Tuen Mun. Together with ongoing efforts in waste reduction, recycling and resource circulation, the Government believes that these initiatives will help Hong Kong move closer to its long‑term goals of achieving zero waste landfilling and carbon neutrality.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today said the Government will submit an amendment to the Medical Registration Ordinance to the Legislative Council’s Panel on Health Services for discussion in February to improve the complaint handling mechanism for the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK).

Speaking to media following a radio programme appearance this morning, Prof Lo said the Government takes delays in handling complaint cases and disciplinary hearings very seriously. 

He outlined that the Government requested that the MCHK provide a review of the mechanism as well as suggestions and recommendations for areas of improvement. After receiving the review report, the Government also sought additional information, both of which are now being evaluated.

The health chief said the Government has identified some areas that must be addressed and improved, adding that certain areas may require an amendment to the Medical Registration Ordinance.

Prof Lo emphasised that the MCHK hearing must ensure procedural justice, as they are judicial in nature and involve direct disputes between complainants and defendants. This requirement can lead to delays, as both sides must be granted reasonable time to present their information.

“We have to look into the details and address all these pressure points and delays, so that we will ensure that similar cases will not happen again,” he said.

He added that the Government is looking into every area. After submitting the amendment to the Panel on Health Services in February, it may then submit the amendment to the Legislative Council in April.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport & Logistics Bureau announced today that it will repeal provisions in the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations that mandate seat belt use on franchised and non-franchised buses. The bureau intends to publish these changes in the Gazette as subsidiary legislation immediately.

The bureau noted public discussions regarding the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025. After consulting the Department of Justice, it concluded that technical deficiencies prevent the provisions from fully reflecting the legislative intent, which is to extend the seat belt requirements to all vehicles for improved passenger protection.

 

Upon repealing of the legal provisions, there will be no statutory requirement for passengers to wear seat belts on franchised or non-franchised buses, the bureau said, adding that the Government will not enforce the provision for the period leading up to the repeal of relevant provisions.

Meanwhile, the statutory requirements for wearing seat belts on other types of vehicles, including private cars, taxis, goods vehicles, light buses, special purpose vehicles and student service vehicles, will remain in effect.

Moving forward, the bureau will now consult various stakeholders to ensure road safety while addressing concerns raised during the implementation of the new requirements. After refining these arrangements, the bureau will further consult the Legislative Council and reintroduce the requirements at a suitable time.

The bureau added that it will also continue to enhance publicity and education efforts to encourage the regular use of seat belts.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) announced today (January 30) that it noted public discussions on the scope of application of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) (Amendment) Regulation 2025. Having consulted the Department of Justice, it is considered that there are technical deficiencies in those legal provisions which state the requirement on passengers to wear seat belts on franchised and non-franchised buses. Those provisions do not fully reflect the legislative intent, which is to extend the statutory requirement for the wearing of seat belts to all vehicle seats, thereby providing better protection for passengers.

The TLB will promptly repeal the relevant provisions (i.e., Section 8D and related provisions (if applicable)) of the Road Traffic (Safety Equipment) Regulations (Chapter 374F) by way of publishing in the Gazette as subsidiary legislation. Upon repealing, there will be no statutory requirement for passengers to wear seat belts on franchised or non-franchised buses; for the period leading up to the repeal of relevant provisions, the Government will not enforce the provision. The statutory requirement for the wearing of seat belts on other types of vehicles (including private cars, taxis, goods vehicles, light buses, special purpose vehicles, student service vehicles) will remain in effect.

As the next step, we will gather opinions from various stakeholders, and consider how best to ensure road safety while addressing the concerns raised during the implementation of new requirements. We will further consult the Legislative Council after optimising the arrangements, and reintroducing them at an appropriate time. Meanwhile, we will continue to enhance publicity and education efforts to encourage the voluntary habit of wearing seat belts.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

  Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in Tuen Mun today (January 30) in which a man died.

     At 5.38pm, a motorcycle driven by a 30-year-old man was travelling along Tsing Tin Road towards Tai Hing. When approaching a right bend near lamp post KHM111, it suspectedly went out of control, sideturned and rammed into barriers. The motorcyclist then fell from Tsing Tin Road onto a carriageway of Tuen Mun Road near Tsing Tin Interchange.

     Sustaining serious head injuries, the motorcyclist was rushed to Tuen Mun Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 6.36pm.
 
     Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories North is underway.

     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 3800.