The Fire Services Department today held an open day at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy (FASA) in support of National Security Education Day, which will be held on Tuesday.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki attended a flag-raising ceremony and spoke at the event, which attracted more than 9,000 participants.
He praised the 41 departmental staff who recently took part in search-and-rescue operations in earthquake-stricken areas of Myanmar, commending the team’s swift response and professionalism. He added that their efforts demonstrated China’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts and support for the spirit of international security, which he said is an essential element of a holistic approach to national security.
The Chief Secretary then toured an exhibition on national security, and also the National Security Education & Resource Centre at the FASA. Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung visited game booths set up as part of the open day.
As part of the event, facilities such as the simulated Pak Shing Kok railway station, training simulations, and the fire and ambulance services education centre, were also open to the public.
Allow me to take a moment to highlight why Hong Kong is the ideal strategic destination for innovation and technology businesses.
In addition to our world-class infrastructure and business-friendly environment mentioned by Margaret (Trade Development Council Executive Director Margaret Fong), Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” arrangement has set us apart from any other city in Asia. To name just a few of our unique strengths, we have:
– first, convenient access to the vast Chinese Mainland and Asian markets;
– second, a trusted common law system and strong intellectual property protection;
– third, the convergence of Mainland and international data and capital; and
– fourth, a thriving international talent pool that attracts and nurtures the top minds from around the world.
These strengths have made Hong Kong a premier launch-pad for companies looking to scale up their business in Asia and beyond.
Today, we are home to over 4,700 startups, and 28% of their founders come from outside the city. For a glimpse of this dynamism, I encourage you to visit InnoEX, which showcases the ingenuity of our startups and talent, with groundbreaking innovations ranging from AI and robotics to green tech, smart mobility, and much more.
Hong Kong’s appeal extends beyond these. We offer a comprehensive funding ecosystem, spanning angel investments, venture capital and private equity, to one of the world’s deepest and most liquid stock markets. Besides, together with Greater Bay Area cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, we offer you a vibrant ecosystem that caters to the needs of innovative companies from different sectors and different stages of development. In fact, we have been ranked the world’s second most innovative cluster for five consecutive years.
Ladies and gentlemen, we gather at a pivotal moment. We are witnessing a shifting global landscape marked by a daunting trade war and technological fragmentation. Trade patterns, industrial chain, supply chains and partnerships are being reshaped. In this “new normal”, many businesses will have to find new collaborators, explore untapped markets and embrace more agile business models.
In these turbulent times, Hong Kong remains open and welcoming to businesses and talent from all over the world. We are eager to establish new connections and forge new partnerships. These are in our DNA. Rest assured that our free port status and free trade policy remain unshaken. We are firm in our commitment to the free flow of capital, goods, talent and information.
Let me conclude by extending my gratitude to my government colleagues, the HKTDC, and all the exhibitors and partners who have brought the BIT Week to life. To our visitors: beyond networking and conducting business, please take some time to explore this vibrant city, not just our scenic hills, stunning coastlines and beautiful outlying islands, but also the 200+ Michelin-recommended restaurants. We impose no duty on wine. Coldplay was performing in our world-class Kai Tak Stadium. The Palace Museum and M+ museum are just across the harbour.
I am sure you will enjoy the city, and wish you all the best of business and health for the time ahead.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan made these remarks at the BIT Week 2025’s opening ceremony on April 13.
Last month, the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, or HKSTP, transformed its InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong into a GreenTech Hub, with the aim of supercharging Hong Kong’s drive to be an international hub for green technology and green finance.
Kevin To, the head of a green tech company focused on developing electric motorcycles, batteries and smart battery replacement systems, believes the hub can be a catalyst for advancing green technology in Hong Kong.
“We can combine all these green tech companies together,” he said. “We have more opportunities to communicate, to interact with other green tech companies.
“For example, we are an electric vehicle company – we have a battery, and we need a battery management system. There is a green tech company in this building, they even do the battery management system, so it is very convenient for us to work together with this kind of company.”
Carbon goals
Mr To added: “We did a lot of events and have met a lot of companies within the Greentech Hub. It is a really good ecosystem.”
Explaining that his firm’s operations are primarily focused on the Mainland and Southeast Asian markets for the time being, Mr To highlighted that it also plans to partner with a food delivery platform in Hong Kong, enabling delivery workers to use electric motorcycles.
He believes this initiative will help the city to achieve its carbon neutrality goals.
Flourishing ecosystem
It is expected that the GreenTech Hub ecosystem will accommodate more than 200 green tech companies. HKSTP Associate Director (GreenTech) Howard Lee said it will unite green innovation from various sectors, including new energy, smart city solutions, green building and green fintech.
“The hub will also feature a dedicated Green Space to showcase these innovative and sustainable green solutions,” he added.
Moreover, to support companies in the hub, HKSTP has enlisted 16 GreenTech Hub Partners, including financial and business institutions, as well as universities, to support green tech innovation at the site.
Mr Lee said that focusing resources and expertise at the hub can have synergistic effects.
“It brings together different green tech companies, contributing to the clustering effect,” he stressed. “It also allows our industry partners to come and look for different green tech solutions.”
In booth games and a thematic exhibition, the Immigration Service Institute of Training & Development showcased the technology it uses in its counter-terrorism work, detention centre management and identification of suspicious documents. Visitors were given the chance to try out facilities such as a mock immigration clearance hall and court room.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, accompanied by Immigration Department directorate officers, toured the exhibition booths and interacted with the open day participants.
The CSD’s open day activities were staged at the Correctional Services Museum and the Community Education Experience Centre. Interactive games and multimedia exhibits at the centre conveyed messages on offender rehabilitation and in support of law-abiding and drug-free lifestyles.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan and security chief Tang Ping-keung were accompanied by Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing and Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations and Strategic Development) Leung Ka-lun in attending the event.
At its headquarters, the CAS staged an exhibition and displayed the winning entries from a patriotic essay competition. Service members also presented a mountain search-and-rescue demonstration and a bicycle show.
Secretary for Labour ＆ Welfare Chris Sun today attended the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Talent Development Showcase” in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Promoting Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, Mr Sun outlined at a symposium that the city is uniquely positioned in the Greater Bay Area to serve a dual role as Mainland China’s gateway to Southeast Asia and as a springboard for companies in countries such as Malaysia to tap the Mainland’s vast domestic market.
He added that the multilingual nature of both Hong Kong and Malaysia facilitates the smooth integration of Malaysian talent in Hong Kong.
Mr Sun outlined that Hong Kong’s Committee on Education, Technology & Talents, chaired by the Chief Secretary, seeks to build on the city’s standing as an international hub for high-calibre talent across various sectors, in line with the “eight centres” concept.
After attending the symposium, Mr Sun toured a career fair being staged as part of the showcase to learn about companies’ demand for international talent. Featuring almost 40 leading bay area enterprises from a variety of industries, it was well-attended both by local professionals and students from Malaysian universities.
Running today and tomorrow, the showcase is organised by the Labour & Welfare Bureau and Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) and is expected to attract more than 4,000 attendees.
Mr Sun said: “Hosting the showcase in Malaysia, a dynamic emerging economy with strategic development potential, the bureau and HKTE aimed at implementing (a) strategy to attract international high-calibre talent under the memorandum of understanding on promoting talent services co-operation in the GBA signed last year by nine municipalities in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.”
Yesterday, Mr Sun visited Universiti Malaya, an eligible university under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia’s Chargé d’Affaires Zheng Xuefang and called on Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources YB Steven Sim.
Whilst in Kuala Lumpur, the labour chief also met representatives of the Hong Kong-Malaysia Business Association and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia. He invited them to visit Hong Kong to explore opportunities.
Mr Sun concluded his three-day visit this afternoon and returned to Hong Kong this evening.
This important annual event is anticipated to attract more than 400 representatives from 40-plus countries and regions worldwide. Commissioner for Tourism Angelina Cheung said this equates to a record attendance for the event.
Apart from announcing that among those attending will be mayors, vice mayors, and officials from various tourism ministries, Mrs Cheung emphasised that the summit will serve as an excellent platform for exchanging ideas and discussing sustainable tourism development.
The event will feature several forums, including a mayors’ forum focusing on innovation and sustainability in tourism development. Additionally, a themed forum on aviation and tourism will be held, along with trade forums that will facilitate business discussions among tourism organisations and travel agencies from Hong Kong, Beijing, and other international cities.
Mrs Cheung highlighted that the summit presents a significant opportunity for these organisations to explore different tourism resources and products, as well as negotiate business agreements, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” in the global tourism landscape.
In addition to the tourism summit, cultural conferences are also making a splash on Hong Kong’s events calendar. The Museum Summit 2025 took place at the Convention & Exhibition Centre at the end of March. It garnered record-high participation from over 7,000 registrants who hailed from 39 countries. One-third of attendees were non-local.
The forum was organised by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, in partnership with The Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts in France. Themed “Going Beyond”, it brought together over 30 experts and leaders in the sector, from 17 countries, to share experiences, research findings, and ideas. Delegates included more than 40 museum practitioners from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Museum Alliance and Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states.
Furthermore, the 13th Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum is scheduled to take place from April 22 to 23. The event will promote cultural co-operation across the Asian region, allowing attendees to share strategies for promoting culture and the arts. It will also reinforce Hong Kong’s role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) had an exchange with patient groups today (April 11), elaborating on the enhanced patient protection measures under the public healthcare fees and charges reform. Approximately 70 representatives from different patient groups attended the meeting in person and online. The atmosphere of the meeting was positive and both parties anticipated continuous communication, enabling better and more comprehensive patient protection.
The exchange highlighted the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism, the new cap on spending for public healthcare services and the expansion of the safety net. These initiatives aim to allowing the patient groups to understand more deeply that their protection will be bolstered after the full implementation of the fees and charges reform. The Director (Strategy and Planning) of the HA, Dr Ching Wai-kuen, said in the meeting, “With the public healthcare fees and charges reform plan announced earlier, the HA anticipates enhanced medical protection to poor, acute, serious, critical patients, rationalised public hospital service subsidisation and reduced wastage and misuse. Thus, the sustainability of public healthcare system will be enhanced.”
The Chief Manager (Allied Health) of the HA, Ms Priscilla Poon, who spoke in the meeting said, “We understand that chronic patients are concerned on the fees and charges reform. Representatives from patient groups could learn more about the details of the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism through the exchange, including relaxing the income and asset limits, extending the scope of coverage for period waivers and refining the definition of households. No patients will be denied adequate medical care due to lack of means. In addition, the new cap on annual spending of $10,000 for public healthcare services (excluding self-financed drugs and medical devices) can provide extra protection for critically ill patients.”
The Chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance of Patients’ Organizations Limited, Mr Yuen Siu-lam, attended the meeting and said, “The meeting allowed us to clearly understand how the Government strengthened protection to patients in need under the new fees and charges arrangement. Measures including relaxing financial assessment criteria of the medical fee waiving mechanism and safety net, accelerating the introduction of more effective new medications and devices to the safety net and the introduction of the cap on annual spending of $10,000 for public healthcare services. These measures will ascertain that patients, especially those who are critically ill, will not be impoverished because of an increase in medical fees. This conveys an important message to chronic patients. We look forward to continuous communication with the HA.”
The HA is formulating the details of the public healthcare fees and charges reform. The HA will continue to communicate with patient groups on various platform, while also to elaborate the content of the reform, including the implementation arrangements for the enhanced patient protection measures, through networks between hospitals and patients. Moreover, the HA will further deliberate the fees and charges reform implementation arrangement with patients through different publicity channels, including media, social media and other promotion materials. While the new arrangements and other enhancement measures related to the public healthcare fees and charges reform will take effect in January 2026, the current fee schedule and financial criteria for application of medical fee waiver would continue to adhere to existing standards. Details of implementation will be announced gradually by the end of this year. Patients can then proceed with relevant applications based on their individual needs. Public hospital staff will be available to assist patients to ensure smooth processing.
The HA will also maintain active communication with other stakeholders, including Legislative Council members and patient rights groups, to understand their concerns.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the Release Trials of Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ between April 08-10, 2025 from the Su-30 MKI aircraft. During the trials, the weapon was integrated to multiple stations in different warhead configurations, with land target on Island. The trials successfully demonstrated range close to 100 kms with pin-point accuracy.
LRGB ‘Gaurav’ is a 1,000 kg class glide bomb, designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat, Armament Research and Development Establishment and Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. Senior officials of DRDO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) participated and reviewed these trials.
The system has been realised with the support of Development-cum-Production Partners – Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge and various MSMEs. The trials are paving the way towards induction of the weapon into the IAF. The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance contributed towards Certification and Quality Assurance.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, IAF and industry for successful development trials of ‘Gaurav’. He said the development of LRGB will further enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces to a great extent.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the entire DRDO team on conducting the successful release trials.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Presides Over 2nd Graduation Ceremony of ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad Doctors should Lead Fit India Movement by Promoting Wellness and Preventive Care: Union Minister
Medals are Milestones but True Reward Lies in the Lives You Will Touch – Dr. Mandaviya
“Viksit Bharat by 2047 is not just Prime Minister’s dream but a shared duty of all Citizens”
Total of 447 Students Including 100 from each UG Batch of 2016 to 2019 and First Batch of 47 Postgraduates Graduates Today
Posted On: 11 APR 2025 5:36PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya presided over the 2nd graduation ceremony of ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, held at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium in New Delhi today. A total of 447 students including 100 students each of 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 batch and first batch of 47 postgraduate students graduated today.
Addressing the graduating medical students, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the significance of the ceremony and emphasized on the importance of healthcare professionals in the nation’s development. His inspiring address to the graduates stressed on the need for dedication, ethical practice, and service to the community, urging them to continue their journey with passion and integrity.
Dr. Mandaviya underscored that a healthy citizen is the foundation of a healthy society, and hence, a healthy nation. In this context, he said doctors are the torchbearers of the Fit India Movement, playing a critical role in promoting wellness, preventive care, and healthy habits among the population.
आज ESIC मेडिकल कॉलेज और हॉस्पिटल, फरीदाबाद के दूसरे दीक्षांत समारोह में शामिल होकर 4 बैच के MBBS व 2021 बैच के PG छात्रों को डिग्री प्रदान की।
मुझे पूर्ण विश्वास है कि ये सभी युवा डॉक्टर सेवा, समर्पण और नैतिकता के साथ नागरिकों की स्वास्थ्य सेवा में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाएंगे। आप… pic.twitter.com/PYBaIVVgvN
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 11, 2025
Congratulating the graduates, he reminded them that medals are only milestones, but the true reward lies in the lives they will touch. “Even in moments where you don’t ‘win,’ learning itself becomes a form of victory,” he remarked. He also urged the new doctors to serve in rural and underserved areas, understand ground realities, and ensure healthcare remains accessible, affordable, and ethical.
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 11, 2025
Union Minister reminded the gathering of the national vision laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi — a Viksit Bharat by 2047. “This vision is not just the Prime Minister’s dream, it is the shared duty of 140 crore Indians,” he said, highlighting the central role doctors will play in this transformation. Every consultation and every life saved, he noted, contributes to national productivity and progress.
विकसित भारत बनाने के लिए हम सभी के मन में राष्ट्र प्रथम की भावना होनी चाहिए।
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 11, 2025
In closing, Dr. Mandaviya offered a powerful motto to the graduating batch, “Desh kaise swasth rahe — How can my country stay healthy?” — a question that, he said, should guide their practice, ethics, and future.
From Batch 2016 to 2019, students at the institute demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, excelling across multiple professional levels in the MBBS program. These accomplishments include 3 students ranking in the top positions in the 1st Professional, 7 in the 2nd, 6 in the 3rd, and 7 in the Final Professional exams. Notably, 7 of these top-ranking students are wards of IPs, highlighting the institute’s commitment to offering equal opportunities and fostering talent from diverse backgrounds.
Additionally, Postgraduate students have secured top positions in various specialties, including 1st Rank in 7 specialties such as Dermatology, IHBT, Otorhinolaryngology, Pathology, and Radio-Diagnosis, 2nd Rank in 3 specialties like Community Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology, and 3rd Rank in 3 specialties including Microbiology and Orthopedics.
Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General of ESIC, and senior officers of ESIC and Ministry of Labour & Employment attended the event.
Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda and Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister, Odisha launch and distribute Cobranded cards of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana to beneficiaries of Odisha Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana also launched in Odisha
Historic day for Odisha as approximately 1 crore families, almost 3.52 crore people of Odisha will be covered under the AB-PMJAY: Shri JP Nadda
“More than 8.19 Crore people have already availed treatment under the scheme and the government has cumulatively spent a total of Rs. 1.26 lakh crore for the same”
“Out-of-pocket expenditure has declined from 62% to 38% today as a result of the Ayushman Bharat scheme”
Another feather added to Odisha’s development story: Shri Mohan Charan Majhi
“Ayushman Bharat scheme is benefiting people across the nation, especially the poor and underprivileged section”
Posted On: 11 APR 2025 5:23PM by PIB Delhi
Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda and Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister, Odisha, distributed cobranded cards of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, in Cuttack today. The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana was also launched during the event. Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs; Shri Mukesh Mahaling, Minister, Health and Family Welfare, Odisha and Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly of Odisha were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Shri JP Nadda said that “today is a historic day for Odisha as the AB PM-JAY, the world’s largest health coverage program under which 62 crore people are currently being benefitted, will connect approximately 1.3 crore families, almost 3.52 crore people of Odisha.”
Shri Nadda informed that more than 8.19 crore people have availed services under the scheme and Rs 1.26 lakh crore have been spent under the same to provide healthcare services to the people of the country.
The Union Health Minister highlighted that around 61 crore people are covered under the scheme now. He said, “earlier, more than 55 crore people were covered under the scheme. Then ASHAs, Anganwadi workers and their families i.e. approximately 36 lakh people were added in the scheme. “In October last year, people over 70 yrs of age were covered under the scheme and now, with the implementation of Ayushman Vaya Vandana in Odisha, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, will be covered”, he stated.
Shri Nadda pointed out that the out-of-pocket expenditure has declined from 62% to 38% today as a result of the Ayushman Bharat scheme”. He also highlighted that under the 100-day TB Intensified Elimination Programme, Odisha proactively participated identified 16,500 new cases. “Under PM ABHIM, Rs. 1,411 crores have been provided for strengthening the healthcare infrastructure of Odisha”, he stated.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted that launch event as “another feather added to Odisha’s development story”. He stated that “from today onwards, beneficiaries of Odisha will get free healthcare facility. Odia people residing outside the state will also get the benefit. They can avail the facility in the hospitals outside the state.”
He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Ayushman Bharat scheme is benefiting people across the nation, especially the poor and underprivileged section.
Shri Majhi informed that more than 4,000 doctors have been appointed under the current administration and 5,000 more appointments are under process. He underlined the commitment of the state government to strengthen health infrastructure in the state and stated its aim to establish medical college in all the districts of the state.
Shri Jual Oram noted that tribals of Odisha will be greatly benefited under the scheme. He stated that “people of the state are elated with the implementation of the scheme.”
Shri Mukesh Mahaling highlighted that “3.50 Cr people of the state will get health insurance cards under Ayushman Bharat & Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana and 23 lakhs elderly people in Odisha will also be benefited under the Vaya Vandana Yojana.”.
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