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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (September 30) the optimisation of quarantine arrangements for cats and dogs imported from the Mainland. Animal health certificates issued by official veterinarians of Mainland Customs of all regions are now accepted.

The Mainland has been included in Group IIIA since June 3 this year, with official veterinarians of Shenzhen Customs issuing animal health certificates in the first phase. In light of the smooth implementation of the new quarantine arrangements for importing cats and dogs, and to further facilitate their movement from the Mainland to Hong Kong, the AFCD now accepts relevant animal health certificates issued by official veterinarians of Mainland Customs of all regions. Cats and dogs imported from the Mainland can enter Hong Kong via Hong Kong International Airport (as manifested cargo) as well as by land at designated control points.

The quarantine period for cats and dogs imported from the Mainland can be reduced to 30 days upon arrival in Hong Kong as long as they meet the Group IIIA requirements. Relevant quarantine requirements include having the animal implanted with a conforming microchip, holding a valid vaccination certificate for rabies and designated infectious diseases, obtaining satisfactory results from rabies antibody titer testing conducted at a laboratory recognised by the AFCD on a blood sample taken not less than 90 days and not more than one year before departure, and possessing an animal health certificate issued by Mainland official veterinarians.

Details of the quarantine arrangements and the application procedures for importing cats and dogs from the Mainland, including the method of reserving quarantine facilities, are available on the AFCD website. Detailed requirements for issuing health certificates by the Mainland can be obtained from the Mainland authorities.

The AFCD will continue to closely monitor the latest information on animal diseases announced by the World Organisation for Animal Health, and optimise the quarantine requirements for imported cats and dogs in a timely manner based on operational experience, risk assessment and other factors.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is inviting library patrons to take part in a series of Reader Liaison Group gatherings, which will be held from October 4 to 25. Patrons are welcome to express their views on public library services and make suggestions for the improvement of library facilities and service quality.

     Details of the gatherings are as follows:
 

October 4 (Saturday)
10am – 11.30am	Sai Kung and Sheung Shui Public Libraries
11am – 12.30pm	Lockhart Road, Sham Shui Po and Tsuen Wan Public Libraries
11.30am – 1pm	Yau Ma Tei Public Library
October 5 (Sunday)
10am – 11.30am	Fanling Public Library
10.30am – noon	To Kwa Wan and Yuen Chau Kok Public Libraries
11am – 12.30pm	Shek Tong Tsui and Po On Road Public Libraries
1pm – 2.30pm	Tseung Kwan O Public Library
2.30pm – 4pm	Quarry Bay Public Library (views on North Point Public Library will also be collected)
October 11 (Saturday)
10.30am – noon	San Po Kong and Ngau Tau Kok Public Libraries
11am – 12.30pm	City Hall, Ma On Shan, Tai Po and Tiu Keng Leng Public Libraries
11.30am – 1pm	Chai Wan Public Library
2.30pm – 4pm	Ping Shan Tin Shui Wai Public Library
3.30pm – 5pm	Hong Kong Central Library
October 12 (Sunday)
10.30am – noon	Fa Yuen Street and Shui Wo Street Public Libraries
11am – 12.30pm	Yuen Long Public Library
2pm – 3.30pm	Tung Chung Public Library
2.30pm – 4pm	Ngau Chi Wan Public Library
October 18 (Saturday)
10.30am – noon	Aberdeen and Kowloon Public Libraries
11am – 12.30pm	Lam Tin Public Library
11.30am – 1pm	North Kwai Chung Public Library
2pm – 3.30pm	Cheung Chau Public Library
3pm – 4.30pm	Tsing Yi Public Library
October 19 (Sunday)
10.30am – noon	Sha Tin Public Library
11.30am – 1pm	Tuen Mun Public Library (views on Tai Hing Public Library will also be collected)
2pm – 3.30pm	South Kwai Chung Public Library
October 25 (Saturday)
11.30am – 1pm	Lai Chi Kok Public Library

Interested patrons may register online at www.hkpl.gov.hk/rlg or reserve a seat by completing the reservation form available at all public libraries. Completed forms should be returned to any public libraries, by fax to 2415 8211, or by email to hotline-lib@lcsd.gov.hk before 5pm on October 3. In addition, patrons are also welcome to share their views on public library services and make suggestions at the HKPL website (www.hkpl.gov.hk/rlgform), or by completing the printed feedback form available at all public libraries in Hong Kong, on or before October 31.

     For enquiries, please call 2921 0208.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (September 30) appealed to members of the public to keep places clean and mind their safety while watching the National Day Fireworks Display on October 1.

     The LCSD, together with law enforcement teams of relevant departments, will strengthen patrols at LCSD venues where large crowds are expected.

     These venues include the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Salisbury Garden, the Avenue of Stars, the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, the Urban Council Centenary Garden, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park, the Kai Tak Sky Garden, the Kai Tak Promenade, the Kwun Tong Promenade and the Cha Kwo Ling Promenade along the Kowloon waterfront, as well as Tamar Park, the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section), the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade and East Coast Park (Phase 1) on the waterfront of Hong Kong Island.

     The LCSD reminded members of the public to take their belongings with them when leaving the venues and not to leave trash behind.

     The LCSD also reminded members of the public that the above-mentioned venues will be very crowded during the fireworks display. Visitors should be careful and patient, pay attention to their safety, observe the crowd management measures at the venues, and comply with instructions by the Police.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Tourism Commission today (September 30) expanded the City in Time tourism project to Kowloon City with the addition of five new designated locations, allowing locals and visitors to experience Hong Kong’s past and present through the City in Time mobile application.
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The Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots of the Government announced in May this year that “Featured community – In-depth travel in Kowloon City” will be one of the projects to be implemented. The Tourism Commission expanded the City in Time Project to Kowloon City, allowing locals and visitors to experience the old days of Kowloon City and its changing scenery through augmented reality technology, enriching their city walk experience in Kowloon City District.

The five new City in Time designated locations in Kowloon City are Stone Houses Family Garden, Kowloon Walled City Park, Carpenter Road, Kai Tak Sports Park (near Kai Tak Stadium), and Kai Tak Sports Park (near the Kai Tak Mall).

Apart from the above five new designated locations, the City in Time Project currently encompasses areas including Central, the Peak, Tsim Sha Tsui, Sham Shui Po, Yau Ma Tei, Jordan, Lei Yue Mun and Tai Hang. Locals and visitors can scan the “AR clocks” installed at the above designated locations using their smartphones with the City in Time mobile app downloaded to experience 360-degree historical panoramas developed from archival photos or artistic renderings by local artists.

Commissioned by the Tourism Commission, the City in Time Project is developed and produced by the School of Creative Media of the City University of Hong Kong. The mobile app is available for free download at the Apple App Store and Google Play. Locals and visitors can also embark on virtual journeys and find out more on the City in Time website (cityintime.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government released today (September 30) the Long Term Housing Strategy Annual Progress Report 2025 (Progress Report).
 
     According to the established methodology for projection under the Long Term Housing Strategy (LTHS), the gross total housing demand for the next 10-year period is 419 100 units. Hence, the Government set the supply target at 420 000 units. 
 
     “Since the LTHS annual update in 2018, we have revised the public/private split of the new housing supply from 60:40 to 70:30. Balancing the Government’s commitment to substantially increase the public housing supply to meet the social demand and the demand for private housing, the Government will maintain the public/private split of the new housing supply of 70:30 for the next 10-year period from 2026-27 to 2035-36. Accordingly, out of the total housing supply target of 420 000 units, the public housing supply target will be 294 000 units and the private housing supply target will be 126 000 units,” a spokesman for the Housing Bureau said.
 
     “In the LTHS Annual Progress Report 2024, we announced that the public housing supply would be planned with a gradual move towards a 60:40 ratio between public rental housing (PRH)/Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) units and other subsidised sale flats (SSF). To increase home ownership opportunities for citizens, the Government will continue to advance in this direction in the next decade. Correspondingly, the public housing supply target of 294 000 units will comprise 176 000 PRH/GSH units and 118 000 other SSF units,” the spokesman added.
 
     Solving the housing problem tops the agenda of the current-term Government. The Housing Bureau has long been actively implementing multiple measures to enhance speed, quantity, quality and efficiency in order to increase the public housing supply as soon as possible. Since the current-term Government took office, more than 103 000 families have been housed to PRH or purchased SSF offered for sale by the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Housing Society, representing a significant increase of about 50 per cent as compared to approximately 68 500 families in the previous three-year period (i.e. from July 2019 to June 2022). In the next 10 years, the Government has identified sufficient land to meet the public housing supply target of 294 000 units. Under the Government’s unremitting efforts, the situation of back-loaded public housing supply has been completely reversed. In the coming five years from 2026-27, the total public housing supply (including Light Public Housing) will reach 189 000 units, an increase of about 80 per cent compared to when the current-term Government took office. In terms of traditional public housing, the supply over the coming five years is expected to reach 169 500 units, comprising about 110 600 PRH/GSH units and about 58 900 other SSF. This means an average annual completion of over 30 000 units, the highest in the past 24 years. In addition, compared to the five-year period at the start of this Government, the supply of Home Ownership Scheme flats is projected to increase by approximately 50 per cent over the original estimates. As in the past, when planning public housing development, the Government will maintain adequate flexibility to ensure that the public housing production can be adjusted in a timely manner in response to changes in the actual circumstances.
 
     As for private housing, the supply target in the coming decade is 126 000 units. The Government will have sufficient land to meet the target in the next 10 years. Besides Government land sales, other sources of private housing land supply include railway property developments and Urban Renewal Authority projects, as well as private development projects. As regards the private housing supply in the shorter term, based on the latest projection at end-June 2025, the supply in the primary private residential property market for the coming three to four years is about 101 000 units. 
 
     With the continuous increase in the public housing supply, the Government has more room to further enhance various housing policies to better address the public’s housing needs. To this end, the Housing Bureau has announced four key directions for future housing policy in the Progress Report:
 
(i) encourage citizens to move up the housing ladder;
(ii) optimise the use of existing public housing resources;
(iii) further enhance construction cost-effectiveness and ensure the smooth implementation of public housing programmes; and
(iv) implement the regulatory regime on Basic Housing Units.
 
     Details of relevant measures are set out in the Progress Report on the Housing Bureau’s website at https://www.hb.gov.hk/eng/policy/housing/policy/lths/index.html.
 
     According to the “supply-led” and “flexible” principles under the LTHS, the Government updates the long term housing demand projection annually and formulates a rolling 10-year housing supply target. The gross total housing demand takes into account the housing demand derived from the following four components:
 
(i) net increase in the number of households;
(ii) households displaced by redevelopment;
(iii) inadequately housed households; and
(iv) miscellaneous factors.

Source:

Official Speech by the Acting Prime Minister of Samoa Afioga Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo

Honourable Ministers of Cabinet

Your Excellency, Mr. Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to Samoa

Members of the Diplomatic Corps

President and CEO of SUNGO and Board Members

Executive Director of PIANGO

Chief Executive Officers of Government Ministries

Representatives of Civil Society Organisations

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

Talofa lava, malo le soifua maua ma le lagi e mamā.

Today is not just the opening of a building — it is the opening of possibilities.

This centre is more than bricks and mortar — it is a beacon of hope, where government, civil society, and our partners build together the resilient Samoa our people deserve.

It marks a milestone in our national journey, where government, civil society, and international partners stand shoulder to shoulder to build a stronger and more resilient Samoa.

On behalf of the Government of Samoa, I extend our deepest appreciation to the Government and People of Japan for their generosity and enduring friendship.

Your Excellency, Japan has long been a partner whose support is humble yet transformative.

From education and health to climate resilience and infrastructure, Japan’s assistance has strengthened our communities and touched countless lives.

This training facility is not just development aid — it is a bridge of trust, respect, and shared values between our two nations.

Our nation’s strength lies in collective action. Civil society, especially through SUNGO, has always been central to this.

Today, SUNGO unites over 100 non-governmental and community-based organisations, reaching thousands of Samoans across every district. In times of disaster, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and throughout community recovery, SUNGO has stood at the frontline — ensuring that voices from the grassroots are heard, respected, and acted upon.

But challenges remain. We know that too many village committees still lack access to formal training in accountability and governance. We know that many civil society organisations continue to face gaps in skills, resources, and systems to strengthen their impact.

This new facility will help to close those gaps — building the knowledge, capacity, and confidence our communities and civil society leaders need to serve effectively.

This centre is more than bricks and mortar. It is an investment in people, in leadership, and in potential.

Here, youth leaders will sharpen their skills.

Here, women’s committees and disability advocates will grow their capacity.

Here, communities will gain tools for governance, disaster preparedness, and rights-based advocacy.

It will be a hub for leadership and governance training, financial literacy and accountability, disaster resilience, rights-based education, and inclusive dialogue — ensuring that voices from every district are heard.

LINK TO GOVERNMENT VISION

This facility also reflects our national vision. It complements the Pathway for the Development of Samoa, and connects directly with the work of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.

Through the District Development Programme, Government is investing one million tala every year in every district.

Through the Early Childhood Development Framework, we are prioritising the first 1,000 days of life.

Through our Gender Equality and Disability Inclusion strategies, we are ensuring dignity and opportunity for all.

SUNGO’s training facility is a natural partner to these initiatives — providing a space where communities are not only recipients of development, but shapers of it.

Let me be clear: the Government of Samoa does not see civil society as separate. You are our partners in nation-building.

Together, we can ensure that development funding — whether through the District Development Programme or through civil society initiatives — delivers real, accountable impact at the grassroots.

This facility is a tool for that partnership. But its true power lies in how it will be used: in every workshop, in every dialogue, and in every leader it nurtures for the good of Samoa.

In closing, I once again thank the Government of Japan for your generosity and enduring friendship. I congratulate SUNGO on this milestone, and I commend the unity and effort of all who have made it possible.

Let this centre stand as a beacon of hope, a hall of learning, and a platform for change. May it remind us that when government, civil society, and our partners work together — Samoa moves forward, stronger and more resilient than ever.

Ia fa’amanuia le Atua i lenei nofoaga fou, ma fa’amalō atu i le galuega lelei.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

September 30, 2025

Source:

[PRESS RELEASE – Apia, September 25] — The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce the commencement of a major bathroom construction and renovation project for the Magiagi Primary School in Samoa. The project is designed to address the growing needs of the school’s staff and student population by upgrading sanitation infrastructure. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Jeffrey Moore, a team of 20 engineers will renovate existing restrooms, repair plumbing systems, and restore the roof, while constructing a new toilet block to enhance accessibility and capacity.

The start of the project was marked by a commencement visit from the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Daniel Tarapacki and the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Tuaopepe Perenise Tinei of the Ministry of Education and Culture, underscoring the strong bilateral cooperation and shared commitment to safety, public health and community.

The project focuses on sanitation and the restoration of school bathrooms for Magiagi Primary School students, encompassing renovation and repair of existing restrooms, comprehensive plumbing system repairs, roof restoration, and construction of a new toilet block to improve accessibility and capacity, with a strong emphasis on safety, hygiene, and long-term usability for staff, students, and the surrounding community.

Lieutenant Jeffrey Moore, Project Lead stated, “This project is more than building facilities; it’s about investing in the health, safety, and future of Magiagi Primary School and its surrounding community. By renovating existing infrastructure and adding a new block, we are ensuring reliable sanitation that supports learning and daily life for years to come.” The team will collaborate with school administration, local workers, and PP25 partners to ensure timely completion and adherence to high standards of safety and quality.

This initiative is part of Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP25), a sustained annual military-civilian mission aimed at strengthening partner nations’ ability to deliver essential services to civilian populations. PP25 emphasizes humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, medical and public health, engineering, and host-nation capacity building. The Magiagi Primary School project exemplifies the program’s mission to support resilient communities through practical, on-the-ground infrastructure improvements.

U.S. Embassy Chargé, Daniel Tarapacki, acknowledged the support of Principal Muliagatele Masae Tupou in facilitating the commencement visit. “This effort, conducted under Pacific Partnership 2025 and led by LT Jeffrey Moore, exemplifies the power of collaboration to deliver safe, dignified facilities for students, staff, and the surrounding community. We are deeply grateful for the support of the Ministry of Education and Culture, our Pacific Partnership 2025 partners, and all who contribute to strengthening our shared humanitarian mission and resilience.”

End Release.

US Embassy Apia, Samoa

September 30, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government will launch a three-year “Pilot Scheme for Elderly Recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance to Reside in Residential Care Homes in Guangdong” on October 1.

Funded by the Community Care Fund, the scheme offers subsidies to elderly recipients of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) who choose to retire in Guangdong, allowing them to reside in residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) under the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong. A quota of 1,000 eligible participants will each receive a monthly subsidy of $5,000.

Applicants must have already joined the Portable CSSA (PCSSA) Scheme or be eligible to do so; reside in designated RCHEs; and not be concurrently receiving any other subsidy for residential care services from the Social Welfare Department or other organisations.

In addition to cash assistance under the PCSSA Scheme, elderly participants in the pilot scheme will receive a monthly subsidy of $5,000 to cover the costs of residing in RCHEs and related living expenses.

The Social Welfare Department has commissioned the New Home Association as the approved service provider (ASP) to assist in implementing the scheme.

Starting from October 1, eligible elderly CSSA recipients can apply to the ASP or social security field unit responsible for their case. ASPs will provide relevant information about designated RCHEs to help recipients and their family members select suitable RCHEs and file their applications.

Upon completion of vetting procedures, the Social Welfare Department will issue notification letters to applicants to inform them of the outcome of their application and the relevant subsidy disbursement arrangements.

ASPs will organise experience tours to some of the designated RCHEs, giving participants an opportunity to view the facilities and experience the services in order to select a suitable care home. Tentatively, the first experience tour will be held in November.

The Social Welfare Department will issue letters to eligible elderly CSSA recipients in batches to promote the pilot scheme and invite them to join the experience tours.

Since March, the Housing Authority has adopted a more flexible tenancy arrangement, providing a longer adaptation period for elderly persons who choose to retire on the Mainland.

Elderly Public Rental Housing (PRH) tenants participating in the pilot scheme can retain their existing PRH units or tenancies for six months, starting from their departure from Hong Kong to retire in the Mainland. The arrangement is also applicable to the elderly residents of Housing Society rental estates.

Call 3422 3090 or 2815 7399 for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government released the Long Term Housing Strategy Annual Progress Report 2025, setting the supply target at 420,000 units for the next 10-year period from 2026-27 to 2035-36.

At a split of 70:30, the public housing supply target will be 294,000 units and the private housing supply target will be 126,000 units.

There will be sufficient land for meeting such targets, the Government stressed.

For public housing supply, which is planned to move towards a 60:40 ratio between public rental housing (PRH)/Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) units and other subsidised sale flats (SSF), the 294,000-unit goal will comprise 176,000 PRH/GSH units and 118,000 other SSF units.

Since the current-term Government took office, more than 103,000 families have been housed to PRH or purchased SSF offered for sale by the Housing Authority and the Housing Society, representing a significant increase of about 50%, as compared to approximately 68,500 families in the previous three-year period  from July 2019 to June 2022.

In the coming five years from 2026-27, the total public housing supply, including Light Public Housing, will reach 189,000 units, an increase of about 80% compared to when the current-term Government took office.

In terms of traditional public housing, the supply over the coming five years is expected to reach 169,500 units, comprising about 110,600 PRH/GSH units and about 58,900 other SSF.

This means an average annual completion of over 30,000 units, the highest in the past 24 years, the Government highlighted.

In addition, compared to the five-year period at the start of this Government, the supply of Home Ownership Scheme flats is projected to increase by approximately 50% over the original estimates.

As for private housing, the supply in the primary private residential property market for the coming three to four years is about 101,000 units.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region