MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The “First Protocol to Amend the Investment Agreement (IA) Between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Hong Kong” was signed today in Manila, the Philippines, ensuring non-discriminatory treatment for Hong Kong firms across 10 ASEAN member states.

The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau said ASEAN is a key investment partner for Hong Kong and has been the city’s third-largest destination of outward direct investment for four consecutive years, with a cumulative investment of $671.2 billion.

It added that the investment agreement boosts flourishing investment relations between the two sides and strengthens Hong Kong’s position as an international investment hub.

The bureau said it is confident that the protocol’s signing and subsequent implementation will drive steady growth in Hong Kong’s economic, trade and investment relations with the ASEAN region. It will also work side by side with ASEAN partners to bring about further economic development and investment growth in the region.

The protocol was signed by Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan, Secretary of the Department of Trade & Industry of the Philippines Ma. Cristina A. Roque, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand Suphajee Suthumpun.

Following the signing, Hong Kong and the Philippines – the ASEAN Chair this year – co-chaired the “10th ASEAN Economic Ministers – Hong Kong, China Consultation”.

The protocol mainly incorporates schedules of reservations that give effect to the IA’s Article 3 (National Treatment) and Article 4 (Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment). These articles provide that a party shall accord the other parties’ enterprises and their investments non-discriminatory treatment, except for those outlined as being reserved.

The signing of the protocol is anticipated to bring about legal certainty, enhance the investment environment and create more investment flows.

Complementing the free trade agreement (FTA) between Hong Kong and the 10 ASEAN member states, the IA will accord enterprises and their investments in non-services sectors national treatment and most-favoured-nation treatment.

In addition to non-discriminatory treatment, the IA provides for fair and equitable treatment of investments, physical protection and security of investments, and assurance of the free transfer of investments and returns.

In case of expropriation or investment losses owing to war, armed conflict or similar, compensation will be provided according to the agreed standard as specified under the IA.

The text of the protocol will be uploaded to the Trade & Industry Department’s website after all parties have completed its signing.

Hong Kong and the 10 ASEAN member states will continue to work closely to bring about the protocol’s early implementation.

The 10 ASEAN signatories are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

An extension of the FTA and IA to Timor-Leste, the 11th member state of ASEAN, is in progress, pending ASEAN’s internal procedures.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will depart this afternoon for Beijing, where he will join the “Hong Kong & Macau Youth Flag-Raising Teams’ Beijing Visit Delegation” in a “Salute to the National Flag” activity tomorrow. 

​Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on Tuesday. During his absence, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing will be Acting Chief Secretary.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Census & Statistics Department today alerted the public to a fraudulent web address, “https://eservioe-twwngs[.]xyz”, which purports be the website of the 2026 Population Census, and to related SMS messages and emails requesting that recipients submit personal information via a hyperlink that goes to the fraudulent website.

The department made it clear that it has no connection with the fradulent web address, SMS messages or emails, and has referred the matter to the Police Force for follow-up. Anyone who has submitted personal information to the website should contact Police.

The department also highlighted that the caller ID “18 2026” or SMS sender ID “#C&SD” will be displayed when it calls people or sends them SMS messages in Hong Kong in relatoin to the census.

The department said it does not ask respondents to submit passwords on telephone calls, or via email or SMS message, and does not embed hyperlinks in emails or SMS messages unless requested to do so by respondents.

Furthermore, the depaprtment will not require households to provide information on their Hong Kong Identity Cards, bank accounts or credit cards in the census. Members of the public should report suspected deception cases to the force.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Professional Examination was held today.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam urged Hong Kong legal practitioners who have not yet enrolled in the GBA examination to join the professional team of GBA lawyers as soon as possible.

Mr Lam said Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan provides for better leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a common law jurisdiction under “one country, two systems” to deepen the city’s status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre.

The plan also promotes the closer interfacing of rules and mechanisms safeguarding the rule of law in the GBA, and encourages more legal talent from Hong Kong to participate in the GBA examination and practise in other GBA cities.

Mr Lam noted that the amended Lawyers Law of the People’s Republic of China, which took effect on September 1, provides the legal basis to conduct relevant work in respect of the regularisation of the GBA lawyers’ scheme.

“I look forward to those Hong Kong legal practitioners who have acquired practice qualification as GBA lawyers utilising their edge of having dual practice qualification, thereby proactively integrating into and contributing to the overall national development,” he said.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today clarified that there will be no special traffic control measures in the vicinity of the Cape Collinson Crematorium tomorrow morning.

Online rumours had suggested that there will be road closures, prohibiting all hearses and coaches from entering the crematorium.

Vehicles with booked cremation appointments will be able to enter and leave the crematorium in an orderly manner, subject to on-site arrangements and instructions made by Police and staff from the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department.

Source: Government of Singapore

19 September 2026 – Clean and Green Singapore (CGS) continues to bring together communities, organisations and partners to take collective action for a cleaner, greener and more climate-resilient Singapore. Throughout the year, more than 1,200 CGS activities involving over 400,000 participants have been organised across Singapore by schools, grassroots organisations, non-governmental organisations, corporates and other community partners. These activities spanned volunteer deployments, community events and learning journeys. In support of the Year of Climate Adaptation [1] , the National Environment Agency (NEA)’s ongoing CGS Experiences programme [2] has also introduced new learning journeys, such as the Sentosa Eco-Odyssey Tour, to deepen understanding of Singapore’s climate adaptation efforts and practical ways to strengthen climate resilience.

LitterLifters+ (Islandwide Edition) 

19 September 2026 (Saturday), 10.00 – 11.30am @ PAssion Wave & CleanPod at E2, East Coast Park

3.          On World Cleanup Day, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Goh Hanyan, joined youth volunteers at PAssion Wave @ East Coast Park for LitterLifters+ (Islandwide Edition) [3] . This is the first time that Youth Corps Singapore and the Public Hygiene Council (PHC) have come together to organise a simultaneous islandwide clean-up, with close to 500 youth volunteers picking up litter across Singapore’s coasts, urban areas, and waterways. Their efforts demonstrated the shared responsibility and collective action needed to keep Singapore clean — the same spirit that will be important as Singapore adapts to the impacts of climate change. 

4.        SPS Goh also visited PHC’s iconic SpongeBob SquarePants™-themed CleanPod. Launched on World Cleanup Day last year, the SpongeBob SquarePants™-themed CleanPod is Singapore’s first integration of an internationally beloved cartoon character and intellectual property with a public cleanliness initiative. Located near the East Coast Lagoon Food Village, the PHC CleanPod provides shared litter-picking tools that organisations, schools and communities can tap on for their clean-ups, corporate social responsibility programmes and educational activities. The CleanPod has been used by 113 organisations involving more than 4,300 participants in the last one year.

Urban Sustainability Bike Tour @ Joo Chiat

3 October 2026 (Saturday), 5.00pm – 7.00pm @ Joo Chiat Road

5.       Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Janil Puthucheary, will join the Urban Sustainability Bike Tour @ Joo Chiat, organised by NEA in partnership with the Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore) as part of the Land Transport Authority (LTA)’s Joo Chiat Car-Free Day. Participants will cycle on Anywheel and HelloRide’s public-shared bicycles alongside Decathlon’s refurbished bicycles, demonstrating how reusing can extend the lifespan of resources. The tour will also highlight Singapore’s climate adaptation efforts, how urban planning and green infrastructure can help build a more climate-resilient city, and how everyday choices can support Singapore’s sustainability goals. 

International E-Waste Day

10 October 2026 (Saturday), 9.30am – 3.00pm @ Kampung Admiralty

7.       At this year’s International E-Waste Day (IEWD), Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Janil Puthucheary, will present the ALBA E-Green Leader Award to students who have advanced e-waste recycling in their communities. Jointly organised by NEA and ALBA E-Waste Smart Recycling, the annual event recognises contributions to Singapore’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme and responsible management of e-waste, which support the transition towards a circular economy.

Race to Sustainability! 2026

22 October 2026 (Thursday), 9.30am – 12.00pm @ Gardens by the Bay

9.       At Gardens by the Bay’s Race to Sustainability! (RTS), Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu, will flag off the annual School Race and deliver a keynote address at the inaugural sustainability symposium, which will bring together businesses, government agencies and partners to encourage sustainable action. Marking its milestone 10th edition, RTS continues to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship among students through an amazing race format with challenges. This year, youths can also take part in a dedicated youth symposium, where they can learn how they can become changemakers for the environment from National Geographic Explorers. The event will also feature the unveiling of a larger-than-life sculpture made entirely from recycled materials.

CGS Day 2026

21 November 2026 (Saturday), 8.00am – 11.00am @ Kampung Admiralty

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Youth leaders from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Macao shared their experiences and achievements from the past year as they gathered today for the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum annual review.

They also gave presentations on various issues related to the Greater Bay Area, and outlined the forum’s activities for the coming year.

Addressing members, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to youth development.

He highlighted that Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan clearly states that diversified platforms will be developed for exchanges and experiences that broaden young people’s horizons.

Building on the Youth Development Blueprint, the Hong Kong SAR Government is developing broader platforms and more opportunities for young people to grow and thrive, aiming to nurture a new generation with an affection for both China and Hong Kong, as well as a global perspective, ambition, and a positive mindset.

Mr Cheuk said the leaders forum is an important platform for the Government to implement its vision for youth development.

Over the past year, the forum organised more than 30 activities spanning national security, patriotic education, frontier technologies and multicultural themes. Members also contributed to national initiatives such as the 15th National Games, which Mr Cheuk said demonstrated vitality and a sense of responsibility.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung expressed his satisfaction at the progress shown by members over the past year.

He highlighted that 51 members undertook summer internships at 26 renowned enterprises and organisations across cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Macao and Hong Kong. In addition, nine students from Shenzhen University came to Hong Kong for training and hands-on experience at various companies.

Mr Tang also observed that since the forum’s establishment four years ago, more than 60% of its graduates have joined the Hong Kong SAR Government, taking up positions such as administrative officer and inspectorate officer in the disciplinary forces. Others have pursued careers in the legal, medical, engineering, finance and other sectors.

The security chief stressed that the National 15th Five-Year Plan includes a dedicated section for youth development, adding that the Hong Kong SAR Government’s own Five-Year Plan dovetails with national strategies, allowing Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve the country’s overall development.

He added that future development opportunities for young people are unlimited and encouraged members of the leaders forum to seize such opportunities.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai attends opening of 2026 Resilient Taiwan for Sustainable Democracy International Forum  
On the morning of September 19, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the 2026 Resilient Taiwan for Sustainable Democracy International Forum. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan is a Taiwan of the world and that it will continue to expand its participation by contributing to the world, build trust through professionalism, and connect to the world through cooperation. At the forum, the president announced the official establishment of the World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM), an international organization spearheaded by Taiwan that will link together governments and disaster prevention agencies and organizations from around the world to advance joint training and joint exercises as well as mutual assistance and information sharing, with the aim of making Taiwan a cross-border hub for disaster prevention and response coordination.
President Lai emphasized that in the face of the challenges posed by authoritarianism, democratic partners must join hands, cooperate, and spread confidence through resilience, and added that they must also uphold the principle of peace through strength, strength through resilience, and resilience through unity. He said that through such joint efforts, Taiwan and its democratic partners will protect peoples’ welfare, preserve our free and democratic way of life, and defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and across the world, while building a society better able to deal with the shocks of extreme weather and recover quickly. This, he said, will make Taiwan more resilient, bring democratic partners closer together, and make the world a safer place. 
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
The Office of the President Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee is now celebrating its second anniversary, and this marks our second Resilient Taiwan for Sustainable Democracy International Forum.
Over 500 experts and other distinguished guests from home and abroad have gathered here today to exchange views and learn from one another, so that all of us can better address climate change, gray-zone aggression, and geopolitical risks. This shows that Taiwan’s efforts promoting whole-of-society defense resilience have progressed toward closer international connections and cooperation.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who made the journey here from overseas. Thank you for supporting democratic Taiwan.
Two years ago, I established the Office of the President Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee in hopes of boosting our society’s resilience through public-private cooperation, as well as joint discussion and concrete action among industry, government, academia, research institutions, and civil society groups.
Our goal is to ensure that the government can continue to operate effectively, and that society and essential services function as normal, should the nation face any type of disaster, be it natural or man-made. And when necessary, our society must also be able to support military needs.
From the beginning, we have sought to gain international insights on everything from major global events to advanced models for societal resilience in other countries. After two years of preparations, we are confident that the current Taiwan model has something to offer the international community, and can serve as a basis for other nations working to boost their own preparedness.
Just last month was Taiwan’s annual National Solidarity Month, during which we held the Han Kuang military exercises and the Urban Resilience Exercises. The world was watching these drills, and numerous foreign media outlets came to Taiwan to report from the field alongside our troops.
This year, we added a new component to the Urban Resilience Exercises – a mobile internet slowdown affecting 17 million people. This allowed the public to practice using backup communication methods in the event of a mobile network disruption.
In addition to that, the concurrent Urban Resilience and Han Kuang exercises this year enabled non-military government agencies at both the central and local levels to conduct simultaneous drills under the same conditions. This helped refine military-civilian integration and strengthen the capabilities of civilian units to respond under extreme circumstances.
This is because we know that safeguarding Taiwan has never been the responsibility of the military alone. People across our society – regardless of occupation, ethnicity, gender, or age, and whether military or civilian – can all play a part in defending this nation. Contributing in all manner of roles, every one of us can make Taiwan even more resilient.
I would like to give special thanks to all who participated in these exercises: active-duty forces, 20,000 reserve personnel, and nearly 10,000 civilian colleagues from government agencies at the central and local levels. I also thank people nationwide for uniting as one to successfully carry out these joint military-civilian exercises, which were the largest in our history.
As the international landscape transforms dramatically and China’s threats continue to intensify, my responsibility as president is clear: to ensure Taiwan is better prepared and has greater strength to maintain the status quo, and to prevent peace from being undermined by unilateral provocations.
Ladies and gentlemen, Taiwan’s defense budget has doubled over the past decade. For next year, the government has for the first time proposed an overall defense budget exceeding NT$1 trillion – NT$1.1225 trillion, sustaining defense spending above 3 percent of GDP, and we expect that figure to reach 5 percent by 2030. We are determined to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and to safeguard peace through strength.
Today’s forum focuses on how we respond to new and emerging forms of threat. It also devotes in-depth discussion to several dimensions – models of whole-of-society resilience in countries around the world, military-civilian cooperation, psychological defense, and resilience partnerships.
I would like to thank Anduril Industries Founder Palmer Luckey, Japanese House of Councillors Member Takinami Hirofumi, former Philippine National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, former United States Deputy National Security Advisors Matt Pottinger and Anne Neuberger, and experts from Ukraine, Finland, the European Union, NATO, and countries around the world for joining us today. We will continue looking to the experience of others to help us enhance our own preparation.
On the occasion of today’s forum, we are officially establishing the WADM, an international organization spearheaded by Taiwan. I would especially like to thank Vice President of the Republic of Palau Raynold Oilouch and Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini Thulisile Dladla for making the long trip here to attend this gathering, and for working with Taiwan to contribute to disaster prevention. 
The establishment of the WADM is a major breakthrough for Taiwan in over half a century of efforts to take part in international organizations. Eleven of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and the Republic of Somaliland are founding members of the alliance. In addition, central and local governments and disaster prevention agencies and organizations from 21 countries, including the US, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Türkiye, and the Philippines are observers or partners. Together they form a cooperation network that spans the globe.
We will be rolling out joint training and joint exercises as well as mutual assistance and information sharing. And we will link together warnings, response, and recovery pre-, mid-, and post-disaster. We aim to make Taiwan a cross-border hub for disaster prevention and response coordination, because we firmly believe Taiwan Can Help.
Also launching today is IDEA 2026, the International Disaster Education & Action Forum, which is also very significant. Taiwan aims to link firefighting and disaster prevention education and training systems across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas, continue adopting the international professional standards of the US National Fire Protection Association, and build a network for international cooperation.
Currently, the largest fire and rescue training center in Asia, and the third largest in the world, is located right in the heart of Taiwan – Zhushan Township in Nantou County. We look forward to cooperating with our partners from around the world to create a shared professional language out of a set of shared training standards, and to build shared disaster response capabilities through shared training.
To our international partners, I want to emphasize that Taiwan is a Taiwan of the world. Taiwan will continue to expand its participation by contributing to the world, to build trust through professionalism, and to connect to the world through cooperation.
When authoritarian actors seek to spread fear, democratic societies must spread confidence through resilience. And when authoritarian forces try to create disunity, that is all the more reason for democratic partners to join hands and cooperate.
Peace through strength, strength through resilience, and resilience through unity. All our preparation is aimed at protecting the welfare of our people, preserving our free and democratic way of life, and defending peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and across the world. At the same time, we face an increasingly extreme and unpredictable climate. Thus, our goal is to build a society that is better able to deal with shocks, recover quickly, and sustain itself over the long term.
Let us work together to make Taiwan more resilient, to bring democratic partners closer together, and to make the world we share a safer place. I wish today’s forum every success, and I wish the WADM and IDEA 2026 a smooth launch. Thank you.
Also in attendance at the event were American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene, British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office Lutz Güllner, and representatives from other countries.