MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department (TD) today (August 31) urged students to allow more commute time on the first school day tomorrow (September 1) to avoid being late, as overall traffic is anticipated to be busier. Motorists should avoid driving to school areas.

     A spokesman for the TD said, “Students should familiarise themselves early with public transport routes to and from their schools and the service frequencies, especially those attending a new school. Those taking ferries should further check their vessel types and journey times. Students should also take heed of road safety on their journeys, properly use crossing facilities to cross the road, and not use a mobile phone, listen to any audio device, play mobile games, eat or drink when crossing the road.”

     Major public transport operators (PTOs) have been reminded to provide adequate services and enhance and deploy standby services and manpower when necessary to meet passenger demand. Local franchised bus operators providing services connecting land boundary control points (BCPs) and cross-boundary coach operators have been reminded to provide adequate services for cross-boundary students. Special routes serving school areas will also be resumed.

     The operation of the TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre (ETCC) will be escalated to the highest tier, the Joint Steering Mode, tomorrow morning to jointly and closely monitor real-time traffic and public transport services on the first school day in collaboration with the Police and major PTOs. Staff will be deployed at major public transport interchanges, stations, school areas, land BCPs and tunnels across the territory for on-site monitoring and, where necessary, service enhancement and implementation of traffic management measures accordingly.

     Members of the public are advised to heed the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the HKeMobility mobile application and radio and television broadcasts, or the service details from the PTOs:
 

Public transport operator	Hotline	Website
MTR	2881 8888	www.mtr.com.hk
Citybus	2136 8888	www.citybus.com.hk
Kowloon Motor Bus	2745 4466	www.kmb.hk
Long Win Bus	2261 2791	www.lwb.hk
New Lantao Bus	2984 9848	www.nlb.com.hk
Sun Ferry	2131 8181	www.sunferry.com.hk
Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry	2815 6063	hkkf.com.hk

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

This year’s New Territories West Cluster Youth Volunteer Programme, run over the summer by the Hospital Authority, gave participants the chance to take part in a variety of hands-on activities – from visits to hospital kitchens to performing rehabilitation exercises with patients, promoting anti-smoking messages, and helping members of the public use “one-stop electronic kiosks.”

These activities were designed to provide the young volunteers with a broader understanding of Hong Kong’s healthcare system and its operations.

Patient interaction

Carina Li, one of the participants, explained that she chose to join the programme as she is passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community, as well as being interested in the medical field. “I did choose subjects such as biology and chemistry in high school to kind of further my knowledge within this discipline.”

Remarking that the programme helped her to gain a new perspective on the healthcare system overall, instead of thinking only about clinics or hospitals, she said that interacting with patients was the most memorable part of the experience for her.

“To a certain extent, I could resonate with some of the feelings and hardships that they are going through. And I really think that, for example, some patients might not have a lot of family members or friends who went to visit them, so it is really important that we do go in there to talk to them, to chat with them, to see how they are doing.”

Life lessons

Daniel Cheng, another participant, expressed similar sentiments, stressing that the programme had given him useful life lessons. “The most important thing I could learn was empathy – how to truly understand other people’s feelings.”

Adding that he had built friendships with other participants and relished the chance to step out of his comfort zone, he highlighted the volunteers’ valuable role as a bridge between patients and hospital staff. “We can reflect to the staff what feedback or suggestions we received from the patients, helping to improve the services to better meet public needs.”

Expert guidance

A unique feature of this year’s programme was the involvement of retired hospital staff as instructors.

Teresa Chan, a retired nurse with 35 years of experience, spoke of her pride in sharing her knowledge with a new generation.

“I am so happy to be a nurse, and I am so proud that I can be a mentor to the young. Through this programme, I hope they can know more about the hospital and the different jobs or occupations that can be taken up in the hospital.

“Maybe in the future they would take up some jobs in the hospital.”

Immersive learning

During the programme, volunteers were given a full-spectrum view of hospital operations through visits to units as diverse as the kitchens, the mortuary, the accident and emergency department, and the pharmacy.

They also performed various worthwhile tasks, such as promoting the Hospital Authority’s “HA Go” mobile app, assisting patients in using the one-stop kiosks, and accompanying them during treatments. These activities not only supported hospital operations but also deepened the volunteers’ understanding of the healthcare system.

Hospital Authority New Territories West Cluster Service Director (Primary & Community Health Care) Dr Ng Yeung-shing outlined that this year’s programme also featured some novel elements, including an introduction to advanced medical technologies such as “magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound” at Tuen Mun Hospital’s Neuroscience Centre.

The volunteers also met hospital staff who had participated in disaster relief efforts in Myanmar earlier this year, and gained from them a broader perspective on how healthcare professionals can apply their skills beyond hospital settings.

Record participation

Nearly 300 youngsters participated in this year’s programme – a record number. Dr Ng expressed hope that the volunteers will continue to be involved in the authority’s work and praised them for their significant contributions.

“Our youth volunteers have received positive feedback from departments. They have been instrumental in helping patients to use kiosk machines and the ‘HA Go’ mobile app, and direct the patients to the waiting area.

“I think it is a win-win-win situation – patients receive assistance, staff gain support, and youth volunteers acquire invaluable experiences for personal growth.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today visited Eastern District where he toured a public housing estate, social service facilities, and the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance & Coastal Defence.
     
Mr Lee went to Oi Tung Estate to visit the seniors living there to ascertain their daily lives and the support provided by the District Services & Community Care Teams. He also interacted with other estate residents.
 
He noted that the District Services & Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly & Carers has been extended to cover the entire city, with Care Teams assisting in identifying singleton and doubleton elderly persons and their carers in need and providing them with care and support.
     
Mr Lee then visited the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Fong Shu Chuen Social Service Building to interact with elderly users of the services and learn about how they use gerontechnology and silver products to enhance their quality of life.
     
He said that the Government is taking multipronged measures to strengthen elderly care, including increasing the numbers of Residential Care Service Vouchers for the Elderly, and Community Care Service Vouchers for the Elderly, as from April.
     
He added that the Government actively encourages elderly service units and the elderly to harness gerontechnology, with the Innovation & Technology Fund for Application in Elderly & Rehabilitation Care offering subsidies to the service units in using technological products.
     
The Chief Executive also toured the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance & Coastal Defence. Noting that this year marks the 80th Anniversary of Chinese Victory in the War of Resistance, Mr Lee highlighted that the Working Group on Patriotic Education is co-ordinating various commemorative activities with policy bureaus and departments at full steam.
 
As regards the upcoming Policy Address, Mr Lee said that he will listen to opinions from various sectors of the community and appealed to the public to actively give their views.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets delegation led by US Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker
On the afternoon of August 29, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by US Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Senate Armed Services Committee for the strong backing it has lent Taiwan over the years. The president emphasized that Taiwan will continue strengthening its defense capabilities, demonstrating determination to protect the homeland. He stated that Taiwan will continue to deepen the partnership across all areas with the US and others in the democratic community, serving as a stabilizing force in the pursuit of global prosperity and development.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to welcome Chairman Wicker and Senator Deb Fischer to Taiwan. This is Senator Wicker’s first visit to Taiwan in his capacity as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, making his trip all the more meaningful. For a chair of this committee to be leading a delegation to Taiwan once again after nine years is deeply significant, demonstrating the continuity of security cooperation between Taiwan and the US over the years.
I would like to thank the Senate Armed Services Committee for supporting Taiwan through concrete action. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to Chairman Wicker on receiving Freedom House’s Leadership Award this year, which is a recognition of his efforts all of these years in promoting democracy, freedom and human rights. I sincerely thank Chairman Wicker, Senator Fischer, and the Senate Armed Services Committee for the strong backing they have lent Taiwan.
Under Chairman Wicker’s leadership, the Senate Armed Services Committee has held hearings, promoted legislation, and has urged the executive branch to enhance Taiwan-US security cooperation. The annual National Defense Authorization Acts passed by Congress in recent years have included initiatives to strengthen Taiwan’s security, which is significant for Taiwan, and in particular the Foreign Military Financing program has helped Taiwan further improve its national defense capabilities. There is now a clear international consensus that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential for global security and prosperity. Taiwan stands on the front line of the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific and directly faces the threat of authoritarianism. We are determined to protect our homeland, and we are well aware of the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
In defense, Taiwan will continue strengthening its capabilities to ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Next year’s defense budget will exceed three percent of GDP, and we aim to reach five percent of GDP, aligned with NATO standards, by 2030. Adhering to our asymmetric strategy, we hope, through military procurement from the US or by boosting our self-sufficiency in national defense, to deepen cooperation with the US, from planning and design to production and manufacturing, so as to advance a closer defense partnership between our two nations.
In terms of diplomacy, Taiwan will continue promoting integrated diplomacy through values-based diplomacy and our Allies Prosperity Project, and collaborating with the democratic community in areas including national defense, national security, intelligence, countering disinformation, and cybersecurity. Standing side by side with those democracies, we will demonstrate the strength of deterrence and, by enhancing our capabilities, we will jointly maintain the peace and stability of the region.
As for the economic aspect, Taiwan will strengthen its economic security and resilience, enabling our industries to expand their global presence and international markets from a solid base here in Taiwan, while shifting away from the previous concentration of investment in China. Investment in China, which accounted for 83.8 percent of all outbound investment in 2010, dropped to about seven percent last year. The US has now become Taiwan’s largest investment destination and its second-largest trading partner, while Taiwan is the seventh largest trading partner of the US. Additionally, over 90 percent of US companies here plan on maintaining their investments in Taiwan. We hope that the ongoing Taiwan-US tariff negotiations will help resolve trade deficit issues and enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
In terms of cross-strait policy, Taiwan is focused on maintaining the status quo. We will safeguard our free and democratic constitutional system. We stand by the commitment that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, as well as by the commitment to resist annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty. I emphasize that the future of the Republic of China (Taiwan) must be decided by its 23 million people. Taiwan is willing, under the principles of parity and dignity, to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China to promote mutual prosperity and peaceful development across the strait.
The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) was passed by the US Congress in 1979. Since then, every US president, regardless of party affiliation, has built upon the foundation of the TRA and the Six Assurances to assist Taiwan in bolstering its defense capabilities. Looking forward, Taiwan hopes to build further on this foundation to enhance cooperation with the US in security and prosperity, as well as in other areas.
I once again thank Chairman Wicker and Senator Fischer for visiting Taiwan. I believe that with our bilateral efforts and your support, Taiwan and the US will continue to deepen the partnership across all areas, serving as a stabilizing force in the pursuit of global prosperity and development.
Chairman Wicker then delivered remarks, a transcript of which follows: 
Thank you very much, Mr. President, for welcoming Senator Fisher and me in such a distinguished and delightful way, and in such a beautiful building and such a beautiful room; this is a beautiful and profound moment for me. We come here from the United States, bringing a message from the Congress of commitment, of long-term friendship, and a determination that a free country like Taiwan absolutely has the right to remain free and preserve self-determination. 
I look forward to our conversation. Let me tell you just a little about this delegation. Regrettably, it was to be a seven-member delegation, rather than just the two of us. We had a bipartisan group of members of the House of Representatives who were also going to attend, and at a relatively late moment in the preparations, the delegation ceased to be bipartisan. Our Democrat was unable to attend, and because of the House rules, none of the House members were able to come. But I bring you greetings on behalf of them also. This is actually the ninth day of our trip, and there will be a few more days. We’ll be here tomorrow in Taipei. This is the ninth day of our trip. We visited INDOPACOM in Hawaii, then on to Guam, Palau, Tinian, the Philippines, and then here today. This is a highlight of our trip. And we are here to get a better understanding of the needs and the concerns of our dear friends from Taiwan, but we are also here principally to bring a strong message of friendship and mutual defense for our two democracies.
The president was correct to mention the Taiwan Relations Act, which has been reinforced and reiterated numerous times by our government and along with President Reagan’s Six Assurances, which came after his inauguration as president in 1981. On top of that, for the last two years, our National Defense Authorization Act has built upon that assurance, and added to it. In the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, with the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act, and then last year with the Taiwan Security Assistance Initiative that complemented the authorities we put into place in 2024. And I am happy to say that this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which we will begin debating on Tuesday of next week, will once again enhance that assurance.
That said, there is much to be discussed, and much for Senator Fischer and me to learn. So we look forward to a full discussion and a reiteration to the wonderful people of Taiwan of our determination to remain the best of friends and to defend the freedom of everyone in both of our great countries. Thank you very much. 
Senator Fischer then delivered remarks, a transcript of which follows: 
Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. President, for having us here today, and I would like to extend my gratitude to you and to the Taiwanese people for your warmth, your hospitality, and your friendship. In the United States Senate, we understand the gravity of the challenges that Taiwan faces. We also recognize that the world is more dangerous today than at times since World War II. That reality demands seriousness and resolve.
It requires us in Washington and here in Taipei to invest wisely, to strengthen deterrence, and to ensure our defenses are ready for the threats of tomorrow. I am proud that the Senate Armed Services Committee has made that commitment a top priority. Taiwan, for its part, has made important progress in bolstering its self-defense capabilities in recent years. And I look forward to hearing more about that progress and exploring areas where we can deepen our cooperation and accelerate that momentum. 
This visit is an opportunity. It’s an opportunity for us to chart the next steps in a partnership that is built on our shared values and a common purpose, one that advances the security, the prosperity, and freedom for our people. 
Once again, Mr. President, thank you for hosting us, and I too look forward to our discussion and to strengthening that enduring friendship between our two countries. Thank you. 
The delegation was accompanied by Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) Taipei Office.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     To utilise resources more effectively, the Lantau South Division Police Station Report Room, located at 1 Fu Kong Shan, Mui Wo, will be converted into a reporting centre with effect from September 1. The opening hours will be adjusted to 7am to 11pm daily.

     The Lantau North Division Police Station Report Room, located at 1 Shun Tung Road, which is under the Lantau District, will continue to provide 24-hour services.

     Members of the public can make reports by the following channels if necessary:
– Attend or call the Lantau North Division Police Station Report Room at 3661 1694 or Lantau South Division Police Station Reporting Centre at 3661 1696;
– Submit e-report on the Hong Kong Police Website (www.police.gov.hk) or ”e-Report Centre” of Police’s mobile application;
– Dial 999 for emergency services.
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A local man and an incoming female passenger were sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment and 14 weeks’ imprisonment respectively at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (August 29) for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes, and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted a 37-year-old local man who was pulling a batch of cargo with a pallet truck for inspection at the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint in Sha Tau Kok on February 24. A total of 329 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with a market value of about $1.3 million and a duty potential of about $1.1 million, were seized from 33 carton boxes of the consignment. He was subsequently arrested. The man was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment for dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes today.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 52-year-old incoming female passenger at the Heung Yuen Wai Control Point on August 12 and seized 1 981 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with a market value of about $8,900 and a duty potential of about $6,500, from the thermal bags in her possession. The passenger was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to 14 weeks’ imprisonment for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes today.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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

Hong Kong Customs today (August 29) detected two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized over 30 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with a total estimated market value of about $7 million. Two men were arrested.

The cases involved two male passengers, aged 51 and 36, who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found over 20kg and 10kg of suspected cannabis buds in their check-in suitcases respectively. The two batches of suspected cannabis buds were concealed by vacuum-sealed bags. The two men were subsequently arrested.

After an investigation, the two arrested men have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, and the cases will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (August 30).

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 to 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.

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

The Guangdong Provincial Executive Committee for the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Preparatory Office for the 15th National Games, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Macao (Preparatory Office in Macao) today (August 29) jointly held a press conference themed “Forge ahead in 100 days, pursue dreams in the GBA” in Guangzhou to welcome the 100-day countdown to the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG.
           
     Deputy Secretary-General of the Organising Committee of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG and Vice Chairperson of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committee for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, Mr Chen Xuejun; the Head of the NGCO, Mr Yeung Tak-keung; the Head of the Preparatory Office in Macao, Mr Pun Weng-kun; and deputy head of the technology task force of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committee for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, Mr Xia Qifeng, addressed the conference, providing updates on the  preparation progress in their respective competition regions. The uniforms, medals, sports pictograms and icons, etc, of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG were also showcased at the press conference.
           
     With tomorrow (August 30) marking the 100-day countdown to the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, Mr Chen said that 9,735 athletes with disabilities and coaches have confirmed their participation, making this the largest-ever edition of the NGD and NSOG. The co-hosting of the events by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao pioneers new pathways for cross-regional collaboration in supporting persons with disabilities. He added that 13 test events have already been organised for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, with 22 more to be held and the official theme song to be released later.
           
     Mr Pun said that to ensure thorough preparations, the Macao competition region completed the operational test for the badminton event of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG in mid-August in accordance with the standards of the official event, providing valuable experience for the official event. Macao will also conduct comprehensive accessibility inspections to ensure all preliminary preparations are in place.
           
     Speaking at the press conference, Mr Yeung said that to streamline various preparatory work, the Hong Kong competition region, in collaboration with relevant sports associations and organisations, conducted pre-event drills between March and June this year for events to be held in Hong Kong. These drills covered competition operational flows, functional zoning, barrier-free facilities, medical services, volunteer arrangements, etc. He also mentioned that Hong Kong will host the para dance sport (mass participation event) for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG on September 6 and 7, with around 100 athletes expected to participate.
           
     Mr Yeung added that the HKSAR Government has considerably increased the resources for the development of disability sports in recent years, enhancing the athlete training ladder and support measures to attract more persons with disabilities to pursue careers as athletes. Hong Kong’s athletes with disabilities have achieved outstanding results in international competitions in recent years, garnering attention from various sectors of society and businesses, which has further promoted the allocation of resources for the development of sports for persons with disabilities.
           
     Tickets for the three events of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG to be held in Hong Kong, namely boccia, wheelchair fencing, and table tennis (TT11 class), are planned for sale in batches in early October, in accordance with the competition schedules. For the mass participation event of para dance sport, and Special Olympics table tennis, free admission will be offered through prior real-name registration. The para dance sport competition will take place from September 6 and 7 at Ma On Shan Sports Centre. Interested spectators may register online through real-name registration for free tickets starting today. For details, please visit the website: h5.ctshk.com/ticketDetail?id=3300001499&channelId=-1&poiId=16613353.
           
     For more information on the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG in Hong Kong, please visit the thematic website (www.2025nationalgames.gov.hk/en/index.html), as well the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/2025nationalgames.hk) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/2025nationalgames.hk).