NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), the Insurance Authority (IA) and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) today (July 9) announced the launch of the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 (the Charter 3.0). This joint effort is fully supported by the Consumer Council, the Hong Kong Association of Banks, the Hong Kong Police Force, and the Office of the Communications Authority.

    Building on the success of the Charters 1.0 and 2.0, launched in 2023 and 2024 respectively, the Charter 3.0 represents a significant step forward in anti-scam actions by establishing a collaborative framework between financial regulators and technology firms and telecommunications firms in combatting financial fraud and scams targeting the Hong Kong public. The Charter 3.0 introduces six key principles (see Annex), focusing on the reporting of suspected financial fraud and scams, checking of advertisers, internal monitoring processes, enforcement of terms of service, and collaboration on public education and awareness.

    During the launch event, executives from financial regulators, technology firms and telecommunications firms engaged in productive discussions on the latest trends of financial fraud and scams as well as their collaborative efforts for the common purpose of combatting such fraud and scams. 

    The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “The fight against financial fraud and scams and to protect the public requires a united front, bringing together the public and private sectors, as well as the community at large. The Charter 3.0 represents a significant milestone in this endeavour, harnessing the collective strength of the financial, technology, and telecommunications industries to better safeguard the public.”

    The Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung, added, “The Charter 3.0 is a meaningful step forward, bringing in major technology and telecommunications companies to join the fight against online scams. It is our shared responsibility to disrupt these threats at their source. This initiative not only echoes global governments and regulators’ call to action but also positions Hong Kong as a leader in safeguarding the financial world’s digital future. Together, we are building a safer, more responsible online landscape that prioritises vigilance, collaboration, and public trust.”

    The Chief Executive Officer of the IA, Mr Clement Cheung, said, “The Charter 3.0 represents the outcome of collaborative efforts made by key stakeholders in forging a robust and resilient alliance to prevent financial fraud and scams. The IA will leverage on this platform to strengthen public education and empower policy holders so that they can safeguard effectively against the increasingly sophisticated plots concocted by swindlers.”

    The Managing Director of the MPFA, Mr Cheng Yan-chee, said, “MPF is the valuable retirement reserve accumulated by the working population. The MPFA will not tolerate any fraudulent activities that undermine their retirement savings in MPF. We are pleased to see financial regulators, enforcement agencies and relevant organisations together with major technology and telecommunications companies under the Charter 3.0 stepping up efforts in combatting scams and enhancing anti-scam awareness in the community. We urge the working population to stay vigilant and join hands with us by proactively reporting suspected scams to safeguard their MPF interests.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Application of legal technology and artificial intelligence

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following is a question by the Hon Maggie Chan and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, in the Legislative Council today (July 9):

    Question:

         It is learnt that the Department of Justice has been actively promoting the application of legal technology (lawtech) and artificial intelligence (AI) in the legal sector. There are views that the Government should actively develop AI tools (e.g. large language model developed by the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Center) for application in areas of the common law, so as to enhance the operational efficiency and competitiveness of the legal sector. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it has currently developed large language models for application in areas of the common law; if so, of the specific details and the implementation timetable; if not, the reasons for that;

    (2) whether it has plans to organise lawtech and AI summits or international exhibitions with the Mainland on a regular basis, so as to promote exchanges and co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong in lawtech; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; whether it has plans to introduce lawtech from the Mainland and apply it in areas of Hong Kong common law, as well as promote the Mainland’s AI legal service products to Hong Kong and overseas; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (3) of the measures in place to ensure that small and medium-sized law firms in Hong Kong can benefit from the development of lawtech and AI, such as providing technical support, introducing a tax allowance for “lawtech equipment” and subsidising their procurement of lawtech-related equipment?

    Reply:

    President,

    (1) The Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Center (HKGAI), an inter-school co-operative research centre led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, has developed the first local large language model (LLM) based on DeepSeek technology with full parameter fine-tuning – “HKGAI V1”. The HKGAI has developed multiple vertical applications for various public service sectors based on this local LLM, including the generative artificial intelligence (AI) document assistance application “HKPilot” and the legal-related “LexiHK”. The Department of Justice (DoJ) is currently participating in the pilot use of “HKPilot” and is considering participating in the trial of “LexiHK” after reviewing its effectiveness. At the same time, the Faculty of Law of the Chinese University of Hong Kong has recently collaborated with an AI software company to develop a legal information AI model based on the Cantonese LLM to facilitate the digital transformation of the legal system and industry. WiseLaw Digital Technology, a company incubated by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has also recently announced its innovation achievement in legal AI products. The DoJ will collaborate with the HKGAI and other relevant government departments or institutions based on the trial results, market technology development, the needs of the legal sector and the community, and related resource considerations to examine and promote the further application of AI in the legal sector, especially LLMs related to Hong Kong law.

    (2) The DoJ attaches great importance on the development of areas of lawtech and AI, and believes that forums and exhibitions provides an important platform for fostering exchange and co-operation. Currently, the DoJ is actively preparing related activities, aiming to hold the first large-scale activity open to global participants, creating a diverse and open exchange platform to promote the sharing of wisdom and experience from various regions.

         We note that there are currently a number of well-developed lawtech enterprises in Mainland China. Since Mainland lawtech is now primarily designed for the Mainland legal system, it may not be directly applicable to Hong Kong’s common law market. However, we strongly encourage Mainland lawtech enterprises to set up in Hong Kong to explore the local legal market, develop AI products suitable for the Hong Kong common law market, and use Hong Kong as a springboard to develop markets in other common law jurisdictions overseas.

    (3) To promote the development of lawtech, the DoJ established the Consultation Group on Lawtech Development (Consultation Group) in January 2025, and invited the industry and various stakeholders to jointly study and formulate policy measures related to lawtech. The Consultation Group members include representatives from the legal and dispute resolution sectors, law schools, and the lawtech industry, including representatives from small and medium-sized law firms, ensuring that the policies will suit the needs of practitioners.

         The Consultation Group notes in particular the challenges faced by small and medium-sized law firms in promoting the use of lawtech. In addition to economic factors, we understand that small and medium-sized law firms often have limited understanding of lawtech, and traditional practice models tend to rely less on technology, which affects their willingness to adopt new technologies.

         In response to this situation, the DoJ has accepted the suggestion of the Consultation Group and plans to promote the use of technology in the legal industry progressively in three stages:

    (1) Phase 1: Lawtech awareness and education

         The aim of the first stage of the policy on promoting lawtech is to change certain ingrained mindsets and practices within the legal profession by raising their awareness of lawtech, and helping them to understand the benefits of the use of lawtech that can bring to the profession and the risk management awareness that the profession should have. To this end, the DoJ is organising a series of lawtech-related roundtables and events to raise the profession’s understanding of lawtech and to facilitate the exchange and sharing of information between the profession and lawtech experts to enable them to plan for viable adoption of lawtech.

         The DoJ is also aware of the importance of educating law students about lawtech, and will work with stakeholders in legal education and training to strengthen training related to lawtech in legal education curricula through the Standing Committee on Legal Education and Training platform. The DoJ plans to draft and publish a roadmap to assist the legal profession in embarking on their path to technology applications. The DoJ also plans to issue ethical and security guidelines for the legal profession to follow when using lawtech.

    (2) Phase 2: Promoting the profession’s engagement with lawtech products

         The DoJ intends to organise an exhibition of lawtech products to enable the legal profession to access and experience a variety of lawtech products available in the market and to identify lawtech solutions suitable for their business development.

         In addition, we are considering conducting a market survey to consolidate a list of lawtech products available in the market in order to provide more comprehensive information to the legal sector for reference.

    (3) Phase 3: Promoting the use of lawtech in the legal profession

         The DoJ will encourage local and overseas lawtech enterprises to establish and grow in the local market, thereby fostering Hong Kong’s lawtech ecosystem. The DoJ will review the effectiveness of the above strategies and take policy measures to promote the use of lawtech in the legal profession as appropriate. The DoJ will also review the existing legal framework from time to time in order to better support and regulate the development of innovative and emerging legal technologies.

         Through these strategies, we hope to effectively enhance the awareness and use of lawtech by the legal profession, thereby enhancing the efficiency and quality of professional services and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international legal services and dispute resolution centre in the Asia-Pacific region.

         Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth about $1.7 million (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Hong Kong Customs on June 14 seized about 6 700 suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $1.7 million at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port.
     
    Through risk assessment, Customs on that day intercepted an incoming lorry at the HZMB Hong Kong Port. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected counterfeit goods, including jerseys, handbags and shoes, inside the cargo compartment of the lorry. A 53-year-old male driver was subsequently arrested.
     
    An initial investigation revealed that the batch of suspected counterfeit goods would have been transhipped to overseas regions.
     
    The investigation is ongoing, and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
     
    Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action against counterfeit goods and smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
     
    Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting 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).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ3: Roadside skips

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Following is a question by the Hon Chan Pui-leung and a reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (July 9):

    Question:

    There are views that roadside skips unlawfully occupying public roads not only affects the safety of road users, but also poses environmental hygiene problems. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the information on the enforcement actions taken by the Hong Kong Police Force and the Lands Department against roadside skips in the past five years, including the number of complaints or referrals received, the number of statutory notices posted or warnings issued to operators, as well as the number of skips removed; among them, the number of cases in which prosecutions were instituted and the number of convicted cases, as well as the relevant penalties imposed;

    (2) of the current utilisation situations of the four sites made available for use by the trade for storing skips; as the Government indicated in its reply to a question raised by this Council in May 2023 that the skip storage site in Tseung Kwan O Area 137 would become part of the new community, and that the Government would make arrangements in due course, of the progress of the relevant arrangements, including whether alternative sites will be identified for the operation of the skips trade; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (3) as there are views that the regulation of roadside skips involves a number of government departments, whether the Government will consider assigning a designated department to take full responsibility so as to improve enforcement efficiency; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

    Construction waste is generated from construction sites, buildings under maintenance and shops under renovation, which is then transported to landfills or public fill banks for handling. Before skips emerged in the market, most construction waste from construction and renovation sites were piled up at roadside before it was collected for delivery. This not only affected the environmental hygiene, but also caused nuisance to residents and pedestrians, and even affected the road safety. Skips could store relatively large quantity of waste, in particular, construction waste. Using skips can avoid waste being placed everywhere and help maintain a clean and hygienic environment and road safety. It also helps the construction and renovation industry handle construction waste in a neat and orderly way.

    Skips are primarily placed at site of use, such as construction sites, renovation sites, shopping malls, housing estates and designated locations nearby, to collect construction waste generated by construction or renovation works in the buildings nearby. Skips that are not being used need to be stored. According to the result of a questionnaire survey with the trade, there are about 1 500 roadside skips in Hong Kong. Among these, about half of them need to be stored while there is only storage space for 330 skips on four pieces of land provided. Under such a circumstance, some skip operators may place the skips at roadside or other improper locations.

    Management of skips involves various bureaux and departments. Through the Joint Working Group on Management of Roadside Skips (Working Group), the Government coordinates the work on enhancing management of roadside skips among the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department, the Lands Department (LandsD), the Transport Department, the Highways Department, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, and the Home Affairs Department. Since skips placed on at roadside is also a problem of district concern, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration also looks into this problem with the bureaux and departments concerned through inter-departmental meetings. 

    In response to the question raised by the Hon Chan Pui-leung, in consultation with the HKPF and the LandsD, a consolidated reply is as follows:

    (1) Currently, the HKPF handles complaints involving roadside skips in accordance with the Summary Offences Ordinance (Cap. 228). Over the past five years, the HKPF has received a total of 5 913 complaints about skips. Police officers will, in light of the circumstances at the scene, make assessments and issue advice and/or warnings to the skip operators concerned if found. In most cases, the operators would remove the skips on their own within hours after receiving the advice and/or warning, with five cases requiring the HKPF to engage contractors to remove the skips. A total of 18 cases were prosecuted under police summons and were convicted. The convicted persons were fined between $300 and $9,000 by the court.

    Over the past five years, the LandsD has received a total of 3 674 complaints concerning skips. Among these complaints, 3 per cent were referred by other departments (including the HKPF), and the other 97 per cent were lodged by the public. Within two working days upon receiving a complaint or referral, the LandsD will conduct an on-site inspection and post a notice according to Section 6 of the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 28) requiring the person concerned to remove the skip and to stop occupying the government land before the specified deadline no less than one clear day, otherwise it will be removed by the LandsD’s contractor. Over the past five years, the LandsD has removed a total of 27 skips, with the remaining removed by relevant persons on their own before the deadlines.

    (2)  As mentioned above, there are about 1 500 skips in Hong Kong. Considering factors such as job rotations, the trade estimates that about 600 to 700 idling skips would require space for storage each day. At present, the Government has provided four sites to the trade for storage of idling skips through short-term tenancy mechanism. These sites are located at Pak Shing Kok, an area next to the Tseung Kwan O Area 137 (TKO 137) Fill Bank, Siu Lang Shui in Tuen Mun, and adjacent to Tsing Nam Street in Tsing Yi respectively, altogether providing storage space for a total of 330 skips. The site at Pak Shing Kok can store about 110 skips; the site next to the TKO 137 Fill Bank can store about 120 skips; the site at Siu Lang Shui in Tuen Mun can store about 80 skips; and the site at Tsing Nam Street in Tsing Yi can store about 20 skips.

    To tie in with the future residential development of TKO 137, according to the current development timetable, the site leased to the trade under short-term tenancy for storing skips is expected to be returned in the second quarter of 2026 the earliest. Meanwhile, the Government has completed the open tendering process for a site at Tsing Chau Wan on Lantau Island, which is initially expected to accommodate approximately 100 skips and to be awarded within this year. To further improve the situation that some skip operators placed their skips at roadside or other improper locations, the Working Group also strives to find more suitable sites for skip storage by the trade through short-term tenancy tenders.

    (3) The management of roadside skips involves works of different departments and various pieces of legislation. Hence, the Government has its reason and need to coordinate relevant departments’ work through the Working Group. The Government is adopting a multipronged approach and looking for more effective ways to improve the problem of improper placement of skips. At the current stage, the Government focuses on enhancing enforcement on illegally placed skips that pose safety risk to road users. 

    Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Korea-Hong Kong Business Luncheon (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Korea–Hong Kong Business Luncheon held in Seoul, Korea, today (July 9): 
     
    Mr Joo Yong-tae (Deputy Mayor for Economy, Seoul), Mr Kevin Lee (Director of the International Trade Division of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

         Annyeonghaseyo. Good afternoon. It is both a pleasure and honour to be here with you today in Seoul.
     
         Let me begin by extending my warmest greetings and heartfelt appreciation to the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and our ETO (Economic and Trade Office) colleagues for organising this luncheon.
     
    Hong Kong: good for business
     
         Allow me to start by offering a brief snapshot of where Hong Kong stands today.
     
         Hong Kong has been back on a path of growth following the global challenges of the pandemic.  In 2024, we recorded a GDP growth of 2.5 per cent. This year, despite continued global uncertainties from tariff war to geopolitical tensions, our economy recorded a 3.1 per cent growth in the first quarter. Our merchandise exports continued to register strong double-digit growth.
     
         Foreign businesses continue to cast a vote of confidence in our city. In 2024, the number of overseas and Mainland companies operating in Hong Kong reached an all-time high at nearly 10 000.  American and European companies rose by around 10 per cent, while Korean companies rose by 9 per cent year on year.  
     
         Hong Kong continues to shine in international rankings. We are among the world’s top three global financial centres. The latest IMD (International Institute for Management Development) World Competitiveness Ranking places us as the third most competitive economy worldwide. Last October, the Fraser Institute reaffirmed our position as the world’s freest economy. These accolades are no coincidence. They are the result of persistent hard work to drive our competitiveness forward, backed by transparent, consistent and predictable policies, market openness and global connectivity.
     
         A critical foundation of our success is a stable and secure environment. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. It restores law and order in Hong Kong and provides confidence to the international business community. Indeed, a survey by the American Chamber of Commerce (in Hong Kong) in January this year showed that (more than) 80 per cent of its members expressed confidence in Hong Kong’s rule of law.  And 70 per cent reported that the National Security Law had no impact on their business operations.
     
         Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong continues to be an open, diverse and international city. We are a free port, uphold a freely convertible currency pegged to the US dollar, ensure the free flow of capital, goods, information and talent, and practise the common law system.
     
         President Xi Jinping and the Central Government of China have made clear that the “one country, two systems” framework is here to stay for the long term. 
     
         Investor confidence is reflected in hard data. Our stock market, for example, rose by 18 per cent last year, and has gained another 20 per cent this year. Initial public offerings (IPOs) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange have raised about US$16 billion so far this year, making Hong Kong the top IPO venue globally to date. The total bank deposits grew by 7 per cent last year and another 7 per cent this year, now exceeding US$2.3 trillion, six times our GDP.
     
    The Greater Bay Area
     
         Meanwhile, Hong Kong is the international gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, or GBA, which is an economic powerhouse with 87 million people and a combined GDP of US$2 trillion. With a per capita GDP of US$23,000, or US$40,000 on a purchasing power parity basis, the GBA is not just a manufacturing base, but also a sophisticated, high-growth consumer market.
     
         The region is deeply interconnected. High-speed rail puts us just 15 minutes from Shenzhen and 45 minutes from Guangzhou. With seven international airports and a combined annual passenger throughput of over 200 million, the GBA sits within a five-hour flight radius of half the world’s population. Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s busiest cargo airport, now operates with a third runway and is gearing up to handle 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2035.
     
         The GBA is also a cradle of innovation. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster ranks second globally in innovation, and has done so for five consecutive years. Hong Kong excels in basic research, anchored by five universities ranked among the world’s top 100. Three of them are in the global top 20 for data science and AI; our two medical schools are ranked among the top 40. Meanwhile, Shenzhen and Guangzhou lead in commercialisation and advanced manufacturing. Together, the GBA is like fusing the financial power of New York with the innovation energy of Silicon Valley.
     
    Opportunities for Korean businesses
     
         So, what does this mean for Korean businesses?
     
         First, Hong Kong’s financial markets offer unparalleled connectivity and liquidity. We serve as a two-way platform, connecting international capital with Mainland markets and vice versa. Through our Connect Schemes, including Stock Connect, Bond Connect, and ETF (Exchange-traded Fund) Connect, and more, Mainland investors can access Hong Kong’s markets, while global investors can access the Mainland through Hong Kong.
     
         The recent surge in our stock market reflects two important trends. First, the rebalancing act of international investors to diversify risks out of global economic uncertainty, particularly in the US; and second, optimism about China’s technology prowess demonstrated by DeepSeek and others. Korean investors have already taken note. And they are apt in taking actions. In February this year, we saw the highest level of Korean investment into our stock market in over three years.
     
         Beyond the stock market, asset and wealth management is another area where we are seeing rapid growth. Hong Kong now manages over US$4 trillion in assets. With a growing ecosystem of related financial services, we are on track to become the world’s largest cross-border wealth management hub by 2028. For Korean firms in private banking and asset management, the opportunities are significant. Indeed, many American and European asset and wealth managers have been expanding their hiring and office accommodation in the city.
     
         Hong Kong also serves as a powerful springboard for Korean goods, not just into the GBA or the Chinese Mainland, but across the entire ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region. As a duty-free port with seamless customs clearance and unmatched connectivity, Hong Kong offers Korean exporters a fast, cost-effective and reliable route to high-growth markets. From electronics and cosmetics to food products and fashion, Hong Kong is your launchpad.
     
         In innovation and technology, Hong Kong is making strategic and forward-looking moves. We are placing particular emphasis on the development of key sectors such as artificial intelligence and biotech. In addition to our world-class research capabilities, Hong Kong is where Mainland and international data converge. This is a distinct competitive advantage for data-intensive industries.  
     
         Our close collaboration with other cities in the GBA is further accelerating this momentum.  Along our boundary with neighbouring Shenzhen, we are developing a joint innovation and technology park, where we are piloting innovative policies to facilitate the seamless flow of data, talent, capital and even biosamples. We have also established joint clinical trial centres to expedite drug development and streamline cross-boundary regulatory approvals. For Korean tech and pharmaceutical firms seeking expansion and collaboration opportunities, Hong Kong is your ideal location. 
     
    The pleasures of life
     
         Beyond business, Hong Kong is a city alive with culture, diversity, and global connectivity. We are a true melting pot of East and West.  Korean culture, from K-pop to kimchi, has found a warm and enthusiastic following in Hong Kong.  And we are glad that more and more Korean visitors are coming to our city to see for themselves our vibrancy. In the first half of this year, Hong Kong welcomes more than half a million of Korean visitors, a 25 per cent increase year on year.
     
         The pleasures of life are part of our fabric. With more than 200 Michelin-recognised restaurants, hiking trails minutes from the city, and a coastline that rivals the best in the region, Hong Kong offers not only opportunity, but quality of life. Above all, Hong Kong remains one of the safest cities in the world, a place you can walk freely, day or night.
     
         And we are just getting started. The newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park offers a world-class, multipurpose venue for sport and entertainment events. In January next year, we’re excited to welcome BLACKPINK to our stage. And who knows, NewJeans and aespa may not be far behind!
     
         Ladies and gentlemen, I hope I’ve been able to offer you a fresh perspective on Hong Kong, not just as a financial centre or trade hub, but as a dynamic, welcoming city filled with opportunity, energy and creativity. A city where Korean businesses, investors and talents can thrive.
     
         If I may, let me now share a short video that captures the vibrancy, openness and possibilities of Hong Kong today.
     
         That is Hong Kong – dynamic and welcoming. A city that means business, and a city that celebrates life. We look forward to welcoming you soon, to Hong Kong.
     
         Kamsahamnida. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN Attends the Signing Ceremony of the Instrument of Accession to the TAC by Algeria and Uruguay

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today witnessed the signing of the Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) by the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay. The Instruments were signed by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Algeria and Uruguay, on the margins of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur today. The accession of Algeria and Uruguay brings the number of High Contracting Parties to the TAC to 57. The signing ceremony underscores the growing importance and interest that external partners place on ASEAN, as well as their commitment to uphold the principles and values enshrined in the TAC.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN Attends the Signing Ceremony of the Instrument of Accession to the TAC by Algeria and Uruguay appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • EU working closely to get trade deal with US, ready for all scenarios, von der Leyen says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The European Union is working closely with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to reach a trade deal, but Brussels is getting ready for all scenarios, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday.

    “We stick to our principles, we defend our interests, we continue to work in good faith, and we get ready for all scenarios,” von der Leyen told the European Parliament.

    Trump signed an executive order on Monday extending the date on which so-called “reciprocal” tariffs will take effect to August 1.

    The previous deadline had been Wednesday.

    In a wave of letters, Trump has begun informing a range of trading partners from Japan to Myanmar of sharply higher tariffs on goods they sell into the United States.

    But EU sources told Reuters the European Union would not be among the recipients of a similar letter.

    (Reuters)

  • Arizona fossils reveal an ecosystem in flux early in the age of dinosaurs

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Scientists have unearthed in Arizona fossils from an assemblage of animals, including North America’s oldest-known flying reptile, that reveal a time of transition when venerable lineages that were destined soon to vanish lived alongside newcomers early in the age of dinosaurs.

    The remains of the pterosaur, roughly the size of a small seagull, and the other creatures were discovered in Petrified Forest National Park, a place famous for producing fossils of plants and animals from the Triassic Period including huge tree trunks. The newly found fossils are 209 million years old and include at least 16 vertebrate species, seven of them previously unknown.

    The Triassic came on the heels of Earth’s biggest mass extinction 252 million years ago, and then ended with another mass extinction 201 million years ago that wiped out many of the major competitors to the dinosaurs, which achieved unquestioned supremacy in the subsequent Jurassic period. Both calamities apparently were caused by extreme volcanism.

    The fossils, entombed in rock rich with volcanic ash, provide a snapshot of a thriving tropical ecosystem crisscrossed by rivers on the southern edge of a large desert.

    Along with the pterosaur were other new arrivals on the scene including primitive frogs, lizard-like reptiles and one of the earliest-known turtles – all of them resembling their relatives alive today. This ecosystem’s largest meat-eaters and plant-eaters were part of reptile lineages that were flourishing at the time but died out relatively soon after.

    While the Triassic ushered in the age of dinosaurs, no dinosaurs were found in this ecosystem, illustrating how they had not yet become dominant.

    “Although dinosaurs are found in contemporaneous rocks from Arizona and New Mexico, they were not part of this ecosystem that we are studying,” said paleontologist Ben Kligman of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, who led the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

    “This is peculiar, and may have to do with dinosaurs preferring to live in other types of environments,” Kligman added.

    This ecosystem was situated just above the equator in the middle of the bygone supercontinent called Pangaea, which later broke apart and gave rise to today’s continents.

    Pterosaurs, cousins of the dinosaurs, were the first vertebrates to achieve powered flight, followed much later by birds and bats. Pterosaurs are thought to have appeared roughly 230 million years ago, around the same time as the earliest dinosaurs, though their oldest-known fossils date to around 215 million years ago in Europe.

    The newly identified pterosaur, named Eotephradactylus mcintireae, is thought to have hunted fish populating the local rivers. Its partial skeleton includes part of a tooth-studded lower jaw, some additional isolated teeth and the bones of its elongated fingers, which helped form its wing apparatus.

    Its wingspan was about three feet (one meter) and its skull was about four inches (10 cm) long. It had curved fangs at the front of its mouth for grabbing fish as it flew over rivers and blade-like teeth in the back of the jaw for slicing prey. The researchers said Eotephradactylus would have had a tail, as all the early pterosaurs did.

    Eotephradactylus means “ash-winged dawn goddess,” recognizing the nature of the rock in which it was found and the position of the species near the beginning of the pterosaur lineage. Mcintireae recognizes Suzanne McIntire, the former Smithsonian fossil preparator who unearthed it.

    The turtle was a land-living species while the lizard-like reptile was related to New Zealand’s modern-day Tuatara. Also found were fossils of some other reptiles including armored plant-eaters, a large fish-eating amphibian and various fish including freshwater sharks.

    The ecosystem’s biggest predators were croc relatives perhaps 20 feet (six meters) long, bigger than the carnivorous dinosaurs inhabiting that part of the world at the time. On land was a four-legged meat-eating reptile from a group called rauisuchians. In the rivers dwelled a semi-aquatic carnivore from a group called phytosaurs, built much like a crocodile but with certain differences, such as nostrils at the top of the head rather than the end of the snout.

    Rauisuchians, phytosaurs and some other lineages represented in the fossils disappeared in the end-Triassic extinction event. Frogs and turtles are still around today, while pterosaurs dominated the skies until the asteroid impact 66 million years ago that ended the age of dinosaurs.

    “The site captures the transition to more modern terrestrial vertebrate communities,” Kligman said.

    (Reuters)

  • Jofra Archer returns to England team for third test vs India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    England’s Jofra Archer has been named in the team to face India in the third test of the series at Lord’s, England’s cricket board (ECB) announced on Wednesday, as the fast bowler prepares for his first test in more than four years.

    Archer will replace fellow seamer Josh Tongue, the only change England have made, for the third test that starts on Thursday. Tongue picked up only four wickets and conceded more than 200 runs in the two innings.

    Archer, 30, has not played in the longest format since England faced India in Ahmedabad in February 2021.

    The series is tied at 1-1 after England won the first test at Headingley before India won a test for the first time at Edgbaston on Sunday.

    ENGLAND TEAM

    Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.

    (Reuters)

     

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN Meets with Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Kyaw Nyun Oo, at the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They exchanged views on the follow-up to the 46th ASEAN Summit, particularly on ways to advance ASEAN Community-building efforts.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN Meets with Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • At least nine dead after bridge collapses in Gujarat’s Vadodara; PM Modi announces ex-gratia relief

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    t least nine people were killed and five others injured when a 43-year-old bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Vadodara district early Wednesday morning, officials said.

    The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. when the Gambhira bridge, spanning the Mahisagar River near Mujpur village, gave way. The bridge was a crucial link between the Vadodara and Anand districts and served as an important route connecting Central Gujarat to Saurashtra.

    Expressing sorrow over the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh in ex-gratia compensation for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured, from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

    “The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.

    Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also expressed grief and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. He announced an additional compensation of ₹4 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.

    “Technical experts have been instructed to visit the site and conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the collapse,” the Chief Minister said.

    According to officials, a large slab between two piers collapsed as several vehicles, including two trucks, a pickup van, an Eeco van, and an auto-rickshaw, were crossing. The vehicles plunged into the river below.

    Rescue operations were launched immediately by teams from the Vadodara Fire Department, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities. Cranes, divers, and heavy machinery were deployed to locate missing persons and recover the wreckage.

  • Trump criticizes Putin after approving more weapons for Ukraine, Kremlin says it is ‘calm’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had approved sending U.S. defensive weapons to Ukraine and was considering additional sanctions on Moscow, underscoring his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the growing death toll in Russia’s war with Ukraine.

    Trump, who pledged as a presidential candidate to end the war within a day, has not been able to follow through on that promise and efforts by his administration to broker peace have come up short.

    Trump directed his ire at Putin on Tuesday during a meeting with cabinet officials at the White House.

    “I’m not happy with Putin. I can tell you that much right now,” Trump said, noting that Russian and Ukrainian soldiers were dying in the thousands.

    “We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin … He’s very nice all the time, but it turns out to be meaningless,” Trump said

    Trump said he was considering whether to support a bill in the Senate that would impose steep sanctions on Russia over the war.

    “I’m looking at it very strongly,” he said.

    The bill, whose lead sponsors are Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, would also punish other countries that trade with Moscow, imposing 500% tariffs on nations that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other exports.

    DEFENSIVE WEAPONS AGAINST RUSSIAN ADVANCES

    Trump said on Monday that the United States would send more weapons to Ukraine, primarily defensive ones, to help it defend itself against Russian advances. On Tuesday he said he had approved such a move.

    “We’re sending some defensive weapons to Ukraine, and I’ve approved that,” he said.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he had ordered an expansion of contacts with the United States to ensure critical deliveries of military supplies, primarily air defence.

    “We currently have all the necessary political statements and decisions and we must implement them as quickly as possible to protect our people and positions,” he said.

    “These are critical deliveries that mean saving lives and protecting Ukrainian cities and villages. I expect results from these contacts very soon. And this week, we are preparing formats for meetings of our military and political teams.”

    Zelenskiy has repeatedly urged Ukraine’s Western allies to impose tougher sanctions on Moscow to force the Kremlin to agree to a ceasefire as a step towards reaching an end to the war, now 40 months old.

    A decision by the Pentagon to halt some shipments of critical weapons to Ukraine prompted warnings by Kyiv last week that the move would weaken its ability to defend against Russia’s intensifying airstrikes and battlefield advances.

    Trump, who was seated next to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was asked on Tuesday who had ordered that pause.

    “I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?” Trump responded.

    The Kremlin, asked on Wednesday about U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that Moscow was “calm” regarding the criticism, and that it would continue to try to fix a “broken” U.S.-Russia relationship.

    Trump has in recent days accused Putin of not taking U.S. efforts to reach a peace deal in Ukraine seriously, and suggested that the U.S. will continue supporting Kyiv.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Traffic related fees revised

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government announced today a proposal to increase the tolls for the Aberdeen Tunnel and Shing Mun Tunnels to $8, the maximum fee for metered parking to $4 per 15 minutes and the fixed penalty for illegal parking to $400.

    The current toll of the Aberdeen Tunnel and Shing Mun Tunnels for all vehicles throughout the day is $5.

    The Transport & Logistics Bureau noted that the tolls for these two tunnels have not been adjusted for 34 years, during which time inflation has exceeded 130%, resulting in operational deficits. 

    The $8 toll is expected to have a minimal impact on traffic, and the adjusted tolls will enable the tunnels to break-even in operations. The new tolls will be effective on September 21.

    The Government also proposed to introduce an $8 toll for the Central Kowloon Bypass, which will be fully commissioned in 2026.

    The bureau noted that the Central Kowloon Bypass will alleviate the current traffic congestion on major trunk roads in Kowloon, offering a shorter route with higher speeds, making it highly attractive to drivers.

    If no toll is charged for the use of the Central Kowloon Bypass, it is expected that its utilisation rate will approach a saturation point shortly after its commissioning.

    Taking into account the views of the Legislative Council Panel on Transport and the community, and to attract more motorists to use the bypass, the Government is proposing an $8 toll.

    The proposed toll level will effectively divert approximately 20% of the overall traffic from saturated major roads in Kowloon, while reserving about 15% of spare capacity of the Central Kowloon Bypass to accommodate future traffic growth.

    It will also recover nearly 80% of basic operational costs, and according to the efficiency-first principle, the fees payable by commercial and public transport vehicles will be consistent with the moderate toll charged for smaller private cars.

    In addition, the Government proposed to revise the annual licence fee structure for electric private cars by charging licence fees based on their rated power.

    A five-tier licence fee structure will be introduced and the adjustments will take five phases over six years to complete, to align with technological advancements and practices in other regions.

    The new licence fee structure will take effect from November 1 and apply to newly registered electric private cars, while existing electric private cars will be granted a four-month grace period.

    To optimise the use of limited parking resources, the Government proposes to increase the maximum fee for metered parking from $2 per 15 minutes to $4 per 15 minutes, viz. a maximum fee of $16 per hour to increase the turnover of vehicles using metered parking spaces to meet the short-term parking needs of motorists.

    The new charges for metered parking spaces will take effect from September 28. The fees for metered parking spaces for goods vehicles, buses and coaches will be maintained at the existing level.

    For the illegal parking fixed penalty, the Government proposed an increase of 25% from the current $320 to $400. The fixed penalties for 19 other traffic offences related to road safety and traffic congestion will be increased 50% to a new range of $480 to $1,500.

    Legislative amendments regarding the adjustment of tunnel tolls, rationalising the licence fee structure and levels for electric private cars as well as adjustment of parking meter charges will be gazetted on July 18 and tabled at LegCo on July 23 for negative vetting.

    As for the adjustment of fixed penalties for traffic offences, the Secretary for Transport & Logistics will move a motion at the LegCo meeting on July 30 to pass the resolutions.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Extremely proud of our diaspora: PM Modi in Namibia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed deep pride in the Indian diaspora in Namibia, commending their role in preserving Indian culture and fostering stronger ties between India and the southern African nation.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “The Indian community in Namibia is extremely optimistic about closer India-Namibia friendship and this reflected in the special welcome in Windhoek. I am extremely proud of our diaspora, particularly the manner in which they have retained a connect with their culture and traditions.”

    PM Modi arrived in Namibia earlier today on the final leg of his five-nation tour. He received a traditional welcome at Hosea Kutako International Airport, where he was greeted by Namibia’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi.

    Local musicians and dancers performed at the airport to mark the occasion. In a gesture that drew warm applause, Prime Minister Modi joined the performers and played the Namibian drums, highlighting his appreciation for local customs and traditions.

    This marks Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to Namibia and only the third visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in the last 27 years.

    Soon after his arrival, the Prime Minister posted on X, “Landed in Windhoek a short while ago. Namibia is a valued and trusted African partner with whom we seek to boost bilateral cooperation.”

    During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Both leaders are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in key areas such as energy, healthcare, education, digital technology, and development partnership.

    The visit will also include an address to a Joint Session of the Namibian Parliament, marking an important milestone in India-Namibia relations.

    According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India and Namibia share historic ties dating back to India’s early support for Namibia’s independence movement. In 1946, India raised the issue of Namibian independence at the United Nations.

    Ahead of his visit, PM Modi described Namibia as “a trusted partner” with whom India shares a “common history of struggle against colonialism.”

    “I look forward to meeting President H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and charting a new roadmap for cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, our regions and the wider Global South,” the Prime Minister said, adding that addressing the Namibian Parliament would be a privilege as both nations celebrate “our enduring solidarity and shared commitment for freedom and development.”

    The Prime Minister had earlier expressed confidence that his visits to the five countries would further strengthen India’s ties across the Global South, deepen cooperation on both sides of the Atlantic, and expand engagement within multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, ECOWAS and CARICOM.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI: Two Ragnarok IP Titles Achieved Top Game Rankings in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Seoul, South Korea, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GRAVITY Co., Ltd. (NasdaqGM: GRVY) (“Gravity” or “Company”), a developer and publisher of online and mobile games, announced that GRAVITY Game Vision, Ltd. and GRAVITY Communications Co., Ltd., Gravity’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, have officially launched Ragnarok: Twilight (Chinese title: RO仙境傳說：曙光), an MMORPG Mobile game, and Ragnarok Zero (Chinese Title: RO仙境傳說 Online：樂園), an MMORPG PC game, in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau on July 3, 2025. Both titles have demonstrated strong presence in the market.

    Ragnarok: Twilight achieved remarkable success in both major platforms after its launch by ranking second in top grossing of Apple App Store in Taiwan, sixth in Macau and eighth in Hong Kong, and first in free download of google play in Taiwan, third in Macau and sixth in Hong Kong. It also ranked first in free download of Apple App Store in all three regions before launching and received positive feedbacks on its content during the closed beta test (CBT) conducted in May.

    Ragnarok Zero also laid the groundwork for success by ranking third in both the overall and PC game on Bahamut, a well-known gaming community in the region. Also on the launch day, a live broadcast drew more than 2,000 local viewers and special in-game events contributed to a high number of concurrent users.

    Gravity stated, “We are deeply grateful for the tremendous interest and support from users in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. We are pleased to see that the titles we carefully tailored based on local market trends are receiving such positive feedbacks. We will continue doing our utmost to ensure that Ragnarok IP remains beloved.”

    [Gravity Official Website]
    http://www.gravity.co.kr

    [Ragnarok: Twilight Google Play Download Page]
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ggv.rogames.gat&pli=1

    [Ragnarok: Twilight Apple App Store Download Page]
    https://pse.is/7qjgtr

    [Ragnarok: Twilight Huawei AppGallery Download Page]
    https://appgallery.huawei.com/app/C113687005

    [Ragnarok: Twilight Official Website]
    https://rotwilight.gnjoy.hk

    [Ragnarok: Twilight Official Facebook Page]

    https://pse.is/7jyd7c

    [Ragnarok: Twilight Official Discord Community]

    https://discord.gg/v3ZaCCBXaS

    [Ragnarok Zero Official Website ]

    https://roz.gnjoy.com.tw/

    [Ragnarok Zero Official Facebook Page]

    https://www.facebook.com/ro.gravity/

    [Ragnarok Zero Official Bahamut Page]

    https://forum.gamer.com.tw/B.php?bsn=83142

    About GRAVITY Co., Ltd. —————————————————

    Gravity is a developer and publisher of online and mobile games. Gravity’s principal product, Ragnarok Online, is a popular online game in many markets, including Japan and Taiwan, and is currently commercially offered in 91 regions. For more information about Gravity, please visit http://www.gravity.co.kr.

    Contact:

    Mr. Heung Gon Kim
    Chief Financial Officer
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: kheung@gravity.co.kr

    Ms. Jin Lee
    Ms. Yujin Oh
    IR Unit
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: ir@gravity.co.kr
    Telephone: +82-2-2132-7801

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Labour importation in the lift and escalator industry

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Dennis Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (July 9):
          
    Question:
          
    The Government has been implementing the Labour Importation Scheme for the Construction Sector (Scheme) since 2023. Among the lift and escalator-related trades for applying importation under the Scheme, there are three trades of skilled workers (i.e. lift and escalator mechanic (master), lift mechanic and escalator mechanic) and one trade of technicians (i.e. lift/escalator technician). On the other hand, a union of lift and escalator employees has recently indicated that it hopes the Scheme can effectively ensure “priority employment for local lift and escalator workers”. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) from 2023 to March of this year, of the number of (i) lift and escalator mechanics (master), (ii) lift mechanics, (iii) escalator mechanics, and (iv) lift/escalator technicians imported annually under the Scheme (set out in the table below);
     (2) given that the Scheme requires imported lift and escalator mechanics (master), lift mechanics, escalator mechanics, and lift/escalator technicians to have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, of the documentary proof required by the Government to verify the length of experience of such skilled workers/technicians; whether there are cases where such skilled workers/technicians fail to provide documentary proof of their length of experience; if so, of the criteria adopted by the Government to verify the length of experience of such skilled workers/technicians; and

    (3) as it is learnt that the current qualification requirements for lift/escalator technicians in Hong Kong include holding a valid registration as a lift/escalator worker under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance (Cap. 618), whether the Government has, regarding the verification of the qualifications of such technicians under the Scheme, established a system for mutual recognition of professional qualifications with other regions and countries; of the current procedure for the Government to verify the professional qualifications of each imported lift/escalator technician (including the documents required to be submitted by them)?(ii) Local recruitment must be conducted through designated means, and the salary for the positions must not be lower than the prevailing median monthly wage of local labour engaged in similar positions as announced by the Development Bureau;
    (iii) All imported labour must meet the same qualification requirements as those for the local labour engaged in similar work, including the required relevant working experience, number of working days and working hours, and the relevant working experience must be supported by documentary proof required by the relevant authorities; and
    (iv) Manning ratio: The works project approved with quotas for imported labour must comply with a minimum ratio of 1:2, i.e., one imported labour to at least two full-time local labour.

    In response to this question, after consulting the Immigration Department (ImmD) and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), the reply is as follows:
    Also, no application for importing lift/escalator technicians (one of the positions of technicians) has been received under the Scheme so far. 
    Upon the approval of quota, the employer shall arrange for prospective labour to be imported to each submit a visa/entry permit application to the ImmD within the period specified in the Notice of Quota Application Result. When submitting the visa/entry permit application, the applicant is responsible for providing sufficient information for the ImmD’s consideration. The required documents include proof of relevant working experience, such as reference letter from the employer on company letterhead paper, signed by an authorised person, and endorsed with a company stamp. The ImmD has been having rigorous assessments of applications for visas/entry permits. Same as the practice for processing visa/entry permit applications of imported labour, if necessary, the ImmD would consult relevant policy bureaux/departments on the proof of relevant working experience and would follow up as required by the policy bureaux/departments.
    Both imported and local technical professionals responsible for the installation, maintenance and examination of lifts and escalators under the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance shall be registered according to the Lifts and Escalators Ordinance before they can perform the duty of relevant technical professionals. Currently, these non-local technical professionals could only apply to work in Hong Kong via the newly established Technical Professional List under the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals. Same as local technical professionals, imported technical professionals need to meet the specified requirements for successful registration after arriving in Hong Kong, including (i) at least eight years of experience as a lift/escalator worker covering installation, maintenance and examination works as specified by the EMSD, or possessing qualification of a certificate course recognised by the EMSD and at least four years of experience as a lift/escalator worker covering installation, maintenance and examination works as specified by the EMSD; (ii) holding a certificate of qualification recognised by his/her place of origin for working as a lift/escalator worker; and (iii) having passed the relevant test recognised by the EMSD. Owing to the higher technical level required for these technical professional works, relevant working experience obtained before entry to Hong Kong must be supported, on top of the aforementioned documentary proof (such as reference letter from the employer), by third-party (e.g. notary public) certificates of verification.

    According to the relevant legislation, the registration requirements of the technical professionals mentioned above mainly include relevant working experience and passing the aforementioned test held in Hong Kong, so the verification of fulfilling the requirement is mainly through documentary evidence and test without the need for additional recognition of professional qualifications.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana Deposit Protection Corporation Board Inaugurated

    Source: APO


    .

    Deputy Minister for Finance, Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko has inaugurated the Board of the Ghana Deposit Protection Corporation (GDPC)

    During the inauguration he stated that one of the critical roles of the GDPC was to safeguard the deposits of ordinary Ghanaians and strengthen public confidence in the financial system.

    The Board is chaired by Governor of the C Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiamah, Other members include Galahad Alex Andoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Deposit Protection Corporation; Mr. Prosper Ayinbilla Awuni, representing the Ministry of Finance; Benjamin Amenumey; and Paul Kwasi Agyemang.

    The Board Chairman expressed gratitude to His Excellency the President and the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, for the confidence reposed in the team.

    He again gave assurance of the Board’s commitment to providing effective leadership and strengthening the deposit protection scheme.

    Dr. Asiamah further noted that the Board will ensure transparency, good governance, and the use of innovative tools to improve the Corporation’s operations.

    Additionally, he stated the the Board’s plans to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, among other strategies, to enhance how the Corporation serves the people.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: SCIO briefing on China’s economic performance in May 2025

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    中文

    Speaker:

    Mr. Fu Linghui, spokesperson of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and director general of the Department of Comprehensive Statistics of the NBS

    Chairperson:

    Zhou Jianshe, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

    Date:

    June 16, 2025

    Zhou Jianshe:

    Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is a regular briefing on China’s economic data. Today, we are joined by Mr. Fu Linghui, spokesperson of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and director general of the Department of Comprehensive Statistics of the NBS. Mr. Fu will brief you on China’s economic performance in May 2025 and then take your questions.

    Now, I’ll give the floor to Mr. Fu.

    Fu Linghui:

    Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I am very pleased to attend today’s press conference. I will start by briefing you on the main economic indicators for this May and then take your questions.

    In May, China’s economy remained stable while making further progress.

    In May, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, all regions and departments conscientiously implemented the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and the State Council. Adhering to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, we fully and accurately implemented the new development philosophy on all fronts, accelerated the construction of the new development pattern, solidly promoted high-quality growth, and accelerated the implementation of more proactive and effective macro policies. The national economy withstood the pressure and operated steadily, with production demand growing steadily, employment remaining stable, new drivers of growth becoming stronger, and high-quality development moving toward excellence and innovation.

    First, industrial production registered stable growth and equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing grew quickly.

    In May, the total value added of industrial enterprises above designated size grew by 5.8% year on year, or 0.61% month on month. In terms of sectors, the value added of mining went up by 5.7% year on year, manufacturing up by 6.2%, and the production and supply of electricity, thermal power, gas and water up by 2.2%. The value added of equipment manufacturing increased by 9.0% year on year, and that of high-tech manufacturing increased by 8.6%, which were 3.2 percentage points and 2.8 percentage points faster than that of the total value added by industrial enterprises above designated size. In terms of ownership, the value added of state holding enterprises increased by 3.8% year on year; that of share-holding enterprises increased by 6.3%; that of enterprises funded by foreign investors or investors from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan increased by 3.9%; and that of private enterprises increased by 5.9%. In terms of products, the outputs of 3D printing devices, industrial robots and new energy vehicles (NEVs) grew by 40.0%, 35.5% and 31.7% year on year, respectively. In the first five months, the total value added of industrial enterprises above designated size went up by 6.3% year on year. In May, the manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 49.5%, an increase of 0.5 percentage point from the previous month. The production and operation expectation index was 52.5%, up by 0.4 percentage point. In the first four months, the total profits made by industrial enterprises above designated size were 2.117 trillion yuan, up by 1.4% year on year.

    Second, the service sector grew quickly, with the modern services sector gaining momentum.

    In May, the index of services production (ISP) increased by 6.2% year on year, 0.2 percentage point faster than that of the previous month. In terms of sectors, that of information transmission, software and information technology services, and leasing and business services, wholesales and retails grew by 11.2%, 8.9% and 8.4% year on year, respectively, which were 5.0 percentage points, 2.7 percentage points and 2.2 percentage points faster than that of the ISP. In the first five months, the ISP increased by 5.9% year on year. In the first four months, the business revenue of service enterprises above designated size went up by 7.2% year on year. In May, the business activity index for the service sector was 50.2%, up 0.1 percentage point from the previous month; and the business activity expectation index was 56.5%, rising by 0.1 percentage point. Specifically, the business activity index for sectors like railway transportation, air transportation, postal service, telecommunication, broadcast, television and satellite transmission services, internet software and information technology services, stayed within the high expansion range of 55.0% and above.

    Third, market sales recovered and sales of products under the trade-in program grew rapidly.

    In May, the total retail sales of consumer goods was 4.1326 trillion yuan, up by 6.4% year on year, 1.3 percentage points faster than that of April; or up by 0.93% month on month. Analyzed by different areas, the retail sales of consumer goods in urban areas reached 3.6057 trillion yuan, up by 6.5% year on year; and that in rural areas reached 526.9 billion yuan, up by 5.4%. Grouped by consumption patterns, the retail sales of goods were 3.6748 trillion yuan, up by 6.5%; and the income of catering was 457.8 billion yuan, up by 5.9%. Sales of basic living goods and some upgraded products showed good growth. Retail sales in units above designated size of grain, oil and food products, jewelry, and sports and entertainment goods grew by 14.6%, 21.8% and 28.3%, respectively. The effect of trade-in of consumer goods continued to show results, with the retail sales of household appliances and audiovisual equipment, communication equipment, cultural and office supplies, and furniture by enterprises above designated size growing by 53.0%, 33.0%, 30.5% and 25.6%, respectively. In the first five months, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached 20.3171 trillion yuan, up by 5.0% year on year. Online retail sales reached 6.0402 trillion yuan, up 8.5% year on year. Specifically, the online retail sales of physical goods were 4.9878 trillion yuan, up 6.3%, accounting for 24.5% of the total. In the first five months, the retail sales of services grew by 5.2% year on year.

    Fourth, fixed-asset investment continued to expand, with manufacturing investment growing fast.

    In the first five months, fixed-asset investment (excluding rural households) reached 19,194.7 billion yuan, up 3.7% year on year. Excluding real estate development investment, fixed-asset investment grew 7.7%. By sector, investment in infrastructure grew 5.6% year on year, manufacturing investment rose 8.5%, and real estate development investment fell 10.7%. Nationwide, sales of newly built commercial buildings totaled 353.15 million square meters, down 2.9% year on year. Sales of newly built commercial buildings were 3,409.1 billion yuan, a decrease of 3.8%. By sector, primary industry investment grew 8.4% year on year, secondary industry investment rose 11.4%, and tertiary industry investment fell 0.4%. Private investment was flat from a year earlier. Excluding investment in real estate development, private investment increased 5.8%. Within high-tech industries, investment in information services rose 41.4% year on year; investment in aerospace vehicle and equipment manufacturing grew 24.2%; investment in computer and office device manufacturing increased 21.7%; and investment in professional technical services climbed 11.9%. In May, fixed-asset investment (excluding rural households) increased 0.05% month on month.

    Fifth, goods imports and exports continued to grow, and the trade structure kept improving.

    In May, total goods imports and exports reached 3,809.8 billion yuan, up 2.7% year on year. Of this total, exports hit 2,226.7 billion yuan, up 6.3%, while imports were 1,533.1 billion yuan, down 2.1%. In the first five months, total goods imports and exports reached 17,944.9 billion yuan, up 2.5% year on year. Of this total, exports reached 10,668.2 billion yuan, up 7.2%, while imports were 7,276.7 billion yuan, down 3.8%. In the first five months, general trade imports and exports grew 0.8%, accounting for 64.2% of the total trade value. Imports and exports by private enterprises grew by 7% year on year, accounting for 57.1% of the total trade value, up 2.4 percentage points from the same period last year. Exports of mechanical and electrical products grew 9.3% year on year, accounting for 60% of the total export value.

    Sixth, employment remained generally stable and the surveyed urban unemployment rate declined.

    In the first five months, the average surveyed urban unemployment rate was 5.2%. In May, the surveyed urban unemployment rate was 5%, down 0.1 percentage point from the previous month. The surveyed unemployment rate for people with local household registration was 5%, and the rate for those with non-local household registration was also 5%. The rate for people with non-local agricultural household registration was 4.9%. The surveyed urban unemployment rate in 31 major cities was 5%, down 0.1 percentage point from April. The average weekly working hours for employees at enterprises nationwide was 48.5 hours.

    Seventh, consumer prices remained low, while the core consumer price index (CPI) rebounded modestly.

    In May, the CPI fell 0.1% year on year and 0.2% month on month. By category, prices for food, tobacco and alcohol rose 0.1% year on year; clothing prices increased 1.5%; housing prices were up 0.1%; prices for household goods and services rose 0.1%; transportation and communication prices fell 4.3%; education, culture and entertainment prices increased 0.9%; health care prices rose 0.3%; and prices for other goods and services jumped 7.3%. In terms of food, tobacco and alcohol prices, fresh vegetable prices fell 8.3%, grain prices dropped 1.4%, pork prices rose 3.1%, and fresh fruit prices increased 5.5%. The core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, went up 0.6% year on year, 0.1 percentage point higher than that of the previous month. In the first five months, the CPI dipped 0.1% year on year.

    In May, the national producer price index (PPI) fell 3.3% year on year and 0.4% from the previous month. Purchasing prices for industrial producers dropped 3.6% year on year and 0.6% from the previous month. In the first five months, both the national PPI and the purchasing price index for industrial products fell 2.6% from a year earlier.

    Overall, in May, as the effects of a combined policy package continued to materialize, efforts to stabilize the economy and promote growth showed clear results. The national economy maintained a generally stable trajectory with steady progress, fully demonstrating its resilience and vitality. It should also be noted that there are many external uncertainties and destabilizing factors, domestic demand’s internal growth momentum still needs to be strengthened, and the foundation for sustained economic recovery and improvement needs to be further consolidated. Moving ahead, we must adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, resolutely implement the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability. We must fully and accurately implement the new development philosophy, accelerate the construction of a new development paradigm, coordinate domestic economic work with international economic and trade efforts, and unswervingly handle our own affairs well. We will give greater priority to the expansion of domestic demand and the strengthening of the domestic economic cycle, concentrate on stabilizing employment and the economy, and promote high-quality development to advance sustained and healthy economic development. Thank you.

    Zhou Jianshe:

    Thank you, Mr. Fu. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify your media outlet before asking your question.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: EngageLab Showcases Omnichannel Engagement and AI Innovation at The MarTech Summit Hong Kong

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EngageLab, a global leader in customer engagement and marketing technology, proudly participated in The MarTech Summit Hong Kong, one of Asia’s premier events for marketing technology professionals. The summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to explore the latest trends and breakthroughs shaping the future of MarTech.

    This year’s summit featured senior marketing executives from world-renowned brands such as JPMorgan, Yahoo, Nike, and DBS, as well as leading Hong Kong enterprises including Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Disneyland, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club. EngageLab had the valuable opportunity to engage directly with these marketing leaders, exchanging insights on omnichannel solutions and how innovative technology can drive customer engagement and business growth in today’s digital landscape.

    During the summit, a senior executive from a leading international airline initiated an in-depth discussion with EngageLab regarding the challenges and opportunities of implementing a true omnichannel engagement strategy. The conversation focused on how to seamlessly integrate mobile app notifications, email, SMS, and WhatsApp to ensure timely, personalized communication with passengers throughout their journey—from booking and check-in to real-time updates and post-flight feedback. The airline was particularly interested in EngageLab’s proven ability to deliver high-concurrency messaging with industry-leading deliverability, as well as its robust compliance and data privacy standards for global operations.

    At the event, EngageLab showcased its cutting-edge solutions, including marketing automation and omnichannel (AppPush, WebPush, Email, SMS, WhatsApp and OTP). These solutions empower businesses to achieve seamless, personalized, and efficient customer engagement across every touchpoint—helping brands accelerate digital transformation and drive sustainable global growth.

    “We are honored to join The MarTech Summit Hong Kong and connect with industry peers who are passionate about innovation and customer-centric growth,” said Tanya Quan, Marketing Director at EngageLab. “Our mission is to empower businesses with robust, scalable, and intelligent engagement tools that unlock new opportunities in the digital era.”

    As a trusted partner to hundreds of leading enterprises across technology, e-commerce, finance, media, and more, EngageLab remains committed to delivering best-in-class solutions that drive business value and customer success worldwide.

    For more information about EngageLab’s solutions or to schedule a personalized consultation, please visit www.engagelab.com or contact sales@engagelab.com.

    About EngageLab
    EngageLab is a world-leading AI-powered omnichannel customer engagement solution provider, unites technology and versatility to offer seamless customer interactions and marketing automation across every channel, including Email, AppPush, WebPush, OTP, SMS and WhatsApp Business. It empowers businesses to build lasting relationships and achieve higher conversions and retention. With a strong focus on innovation and performance, EngageLab supports businesses in over 220 countries and regions, delivering more than 1 million messages every second across various channels.

    For Media Inquiries:
    Contact: marketing@engagelab.com
    Website: www.engagelab.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8149daf0-0ff1-429d-a9d5-864fa92bc469

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GPTBots.ai Showcases Business AI Agent Solutions at The MarTech Summit Hong Kong, Helping Enterprises Bridge the AI Adoption Gap

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As enterprises worldwide race to adopt AI, GPTBots.ai made its mark at The MarTech Summit Hong Kong, Asia’s premier marketing technology conference attended by world-renowned brands such as JPMorgan, Yahoo, Nike, and DBS, alongside leading Hong Kong enterprises including Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Disneyland, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club.

    With 85% of enterprises prioritizing AI adoption in 2024 (Gartner), yet struggling with implementation gaps, GPTBots.ai demonstrated how its no-code AI Agent platform turns complex AI concepts into deployable solutions—without coding or data science teams.

    Spotlight: Real-World AI in Action
    At the summit, GPTBots.ai engaged with forward-thinking organizations, including:
    A Top Hong Kong University: Their admissions team explored AI-powered chatbots to streamline student inquiries and application processes, aiming to:

    • Automate 80% of FAQs (e.g., program requirements, deadlines).
    • Guide applicants through form-filling with smart error detection.
    • Free staff to focus on students’ in-depth support.

    A Leading Hong Kong Airline: Their tech team discussed internal efficiency AI Agents for:

    • AI search to make enterprise knowledge instantly accessible and empower every role.
    • Reducing IT helpdesk tickets by 50% via self-service troubleshooting.

    Why GPTBots.ai Stood Out

    • Enterprise-Ready: Built to adapt to your business, no matter the size or complexity.
    • Proven at Scale: Powers AI Agents for financial services, healthcare, and retail giants.
    • End-to-End Capabilities: From strategy to deployment, we manage every step of your AI journey.

    “The gap isn’t AI potential—it’s practical adoption,” said Tanya Quan, Marketing Director at GPTBots.ai. “We’re helping enterprises skip the lab and go straight to ROI.”

    About GPTBots.ai
    GPTBots.ai is an enterprise AI agent platform that empowers businesses to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive growth. Offering end-to-end AI solutions across customer service, knowledge search, data analysis, and lead generation, GPTBots enables enterprises to harness the full potential of AI with ease. With seamless integration into various systems, and support for scalable, secure deployments, GPTBots is dedicated to reducing costs, accelerating growth, and helping businesses thrive in the AI era.

    To learn how GPTBots can accelerate your AI transformation, visit gptbots.ai.

    Media Contact:
    Contact: marketing@gptbots.ai
    Website: www.gptbots.ai

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9039b0e4-6355-4e0c-83d2-ca91953120f9

    The MIL Network –

  • Vadodara bridge collapse: at least nine dead; PM Modi announces ex-gratia relief

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least nine people have died and five others were injured after a bridge in Gujarat’s Vadodara district collapsed early this morning, Vadodara Collector Anil Dhameliya confirmed.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims’ families.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “The loss of lives due to the collapse of a bridge in Vadodara district is deeply saddening. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.” He also announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

    The 43-year-old Gambhira bridge, which spanned the Mahisagar River near Mujpur village in Padra taluka, collapsed around 7:30 a.m. The bridge was a crucial link between the Vadodara and Anand districts and served as an important route connecting Central Gujarat to Saurashtra.

    According to officials, multiple vehicles- including two trucks, an Eeco van, a pickup van, and an auto-rickshaw -were crossing the bridge when a large slab between two piers gave way, plunging the vehicles into the river below.

    Teams from the Vadodara Fire Department, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities launched immediate rescue and recovery operations using cranes, divers, and heavy machinery to locate missing persons and retrieve damaged vehicles.

    Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. “Technical experts have been instructed to visit the site and conduct a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the collapse,” the Chief Minister said.

    Officials stated that routine maintenance work was carried out as needed. However, the sudden collapse of the four-decade-old structure has raised questions over structural safety and maintenance standards.

    The 900-metre-long bridge, supported by 23 piers, was an essential route for daily commuters and transportation of goods. Its collapse has severely disrupted connectivity between Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, and parts of Saurashtra, leading to traffic diversions and inconvenience for commuters.

    Rescue and recovery efforts are continuing as authorities work to locate any remaining missing persons and restore traffic movement in the area.

     

  • Indian Navy inducts ‘Nistar’, first indigenous diving support vessel

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Navy on Tuesday marked the induction of its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), Nistar. The vessel was formally handed over by Hindustan Shipyard Limited during a ceremony held in Visakhapatnam.

    Built in accordance with the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), Nistar is a highly specialized warship equipped to conduct Deep Sea Diving and Rescue Operations—an advanced capability possessed by only a select few navies globally.

    The name Nistar, derived from Sanskrit, means liberation, rescue, or salvation. The ship stretches 118 meters in length and displaces nearly 10,000 tons. Designed with cutting-edge diving equipment, Nistar can perform deep sea saturation diving operations up to a depth of 300 meters. Additionally, it features a side diving stage that supports diving missions up to 75 meters deep.

    One of the ship’s critical roles will be to act as the “Mother Ship” for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), which is responsible for rescuing and evacuating personnel in case of a submarine emergency. The vessel is also equipped with advanced Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), allowing diver monitoring and salvage operations up to 1000 meters below sea level.

    With approximately 75% indigenous content, the successful delivery of Nistar marks a notable achievement in the Indian Navy’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

  • Wildfire loses intensity in southern France, firefighters continue battle

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A wildfire that reached the northwestern outskirts of France’s second city of Marseille lost intensity overnight, but firefighters were still battling the flames on Wednesday.

    Residents who had been told on Tuesday to stay in their homes for their own safety were once again allowed out.

    “With the fire in northern Marseille now clearly under control, we can announce this morning that the 16th arrondissement is no longer on lockdown,” Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan said in a post on social media platform X.

    “I call on all Marseille residents to exercise the utmost caution in the area, as emergency services are hard at work,” he said.

    Martine Vassal, head of the area council, said firefighters had worked through the night to control the fire, which she said remained a cause for concern.

    “It is not finished. Weather conditions are worrying for us,” Vassal told broadcaster BFM.

    Local officials said the airport for France’s second-largest city could close for commercial flights to prioritise air resources if the fire flared up again.

    It was too soon for the hundreds of residents who had fled from the wildfire to return, officials said.

    Hundreds of firefighters, aided by helicopters and aircraft, have been fighting the flames, which have been fanned by winds of up to 70 kph (43 mph) that brought plumes of smoke over the southern coastal city. Officials said the blaze was caused by a car that caught on fire.

    The fire had burnt through 700 hectares (2.7 square miles) but no fatalities had been reported, regional prefect Georges-Francois Leclerc said late on Tuesday.

    Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told reporters late on Tuesday that the fire had been fast-moving, affecting 60 houses and burning down 10.

    The fire in Marseille and a separate one near Narbonne, another southern French city, were the first major fires of the summer, Sophie Primas, the government’s spokesperson, said in an interview with RTL on Wednesday, adding that wildfire season had come early this year.

    Climate change has made wildfires more destructive in Mediterranean countries in recent years.

    This week and last week, fires have also raged in northeastern Spain, on the Greek island of Crete, and in Athens.

    Philippe, a victim of the fires whose surname was not given, told BFM that he had slept poorly after evacuating and hoped to return to his home at noon on Wednesday.

    “There is nothing we can do,” he said. “It is very very, very hard.”

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Youth Exchange Event “Future of the Silk Road” Kicks Off in Beijing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — A youth exchange event titled “Future of the Silk Road” kicked off in the Chinese capital recently, leading news platform chinanewes.com.cn reported Tuesday.

    It is reportedly organized by the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of China. More than 80 teenagers and representatives of cooperating institutions from 12 countries, such as Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Gambia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Oman, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Spain and Thailand, were invited to the opening ceremony.

    From July 6 to 12, they will also go on a sightseeing tour titled “Building the Silk Road of Dreams, Moving Hand in Hand into the Future” to Beijing and Shaanxi Province, where they will conduct exchanges with their Chinese peers.

    According to Zhang Ziming, vice chairman of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of China, the event aims to create a platform for contact and interaction among young people from different parts of the world, as well as strengthen mutual understanding and friendship among them.

    He expressed hope that through this event, young people from all over the world will gain more experience, communicate more and think more, establish deep friendships, get acquainted with the unique cultures of various civilizations, preserve and transmit the spirit of the Great Silk Road, so that with the energy of youth, hand in hand, they can promote the formation of a community with a common destiny for mankind.

    The participants of the event noted that this trip is a valuable opportunity to deeply understand Chinese culture and Chinese wisdom, and also expressed hope for strengthening mutual understanding and friendship during the event. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Flash floods in New Mexico resort town kills three, traps dozens in homes and vehicles

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Torrential rains triggered flash floods in New Mexico that killed at least three people on Tuesday, including two young children, and trapped dozens in homes and vehicles in the resort village of Ruidoso, a state emergency official and a village statement said.

    The children, aged four and seven years old, and a man were swept downstream and later found dead, the mountain resort village said late Tuesday on its website, adding that rescue operations were underway.

    Dramatic video footage on social media and various news outlets showed an entire house, ripped from its foundations, careening downstream through the brown, muddy waters of the flood-engorged Rio Ruidoso, side-swiping trees as it went.

    “I’ve seen the video. We don’t know if anyone was in the house,” said Danielle Silva, a spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

    Emergency teams organised by local law enforcement and the National Guard conducted at least 85 swift-water rescues in and around Ruidoso, many of them people stranded in cars and homes by elevated flood waters, Silva said.

    Silva said the river had quickly risen by a provisional record of 20.24 feet (6.2 metres) at the peak of the flood, and as waters began to recede in the evening, authorities began searching for survivors in the debris.

    The latest floods come just four days after a deadly flash flood triggered by heavy rains along the Guadalupe River killed at least 109 people and left scores missing after ravaging a swath of Texas Hill Country.

    In New Mexico, Silva said the severity of the debris flow was heightened by a flame-scarred landscape stripped of vegetation in a wildfire which was then followed by flooding that eroded the soil.

    Ruidoso, a popular summer retreat as well as ski resort nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountain range of south-central New Mexico, is located about 115 miles (185 km) south of Albuquerque, the state’s largest city.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Participants of teacher study tour to Shaanxi on ancient civilisation of Qin and Han dynasties share experiences and achievements (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Participants of teacher study tour to Shaanxi on ancient civilisation of Qin and Han dynasties share experiences and achievements  
    The five-day study tour was co-ordinated by the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration. Most of the museums visited were newly built or expanded, allowing the teachers to learn about the latest museum resources in Shaanxi Province. The itinerary included visiting the terracotta warriors and bronze chariots at the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum to understand their craftmanship and historical significance; interpreting relics and historical sites from the archaeological perspective when visiting the Hanyangling Museum, the Shaanxi Archaeology Museum and the Qin Xianyang Palace Relic Site; appreciating highlighted exhibits such as the “Gold decoration in the shape of spiritual animal” and the “Painted Bronze Lamp in the shape of a Wild Goose Carrying a Fish” at the Qin Han Museum of the Shaanxi History Museum; and viewing stone tablet, epitaph and rock inscription collections of the Xi’an Beilin Museum.
     
    Moreover, the teachers joined a number of workshops to try their hand at creating gold leaf decorative paintings and restoring terracotta warrior models. They also experienced Han etiquette through wearing traditional Han clothing (Hanfu), immersing themselves in the ceremonial culture of the Han dynasty. In addition, they visited the newly opened Western Airport Museum, where they admired ancient cultural relics unearthed on-site, showcased through cutting-edge multimedia technology. These experiences deepened their understanding of the history of the Qin and Han dynasties and Chinese culture from various perspectives.
     
    The scholars and experts from the cultural institutions in Shaanxi specifically introduced their educational services. They also discussed with Hong Kong teachers how to utilise relevant resources to support teaching and how to incorporate storytelling with artefacts into daily lessons, making history education more engaging and interesting.
     
    Teachers are required to prepare a lesson plan with learnings from the tour and apply them in their lessons, as well as design extension programmes for extra-curricular activities.
     
    The tour is an extension activity of the second exhibition of the General History of China Series, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity – Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition, which ended on July 7. The exhibition was widely welcomed by the local public and visitors, and received more than 250 000 visitors. The CCPO will produce a virtual exhibition featuring selected exhibition content, which will be uploaded to the websites of the CCPO and the Hong Kong Museum of History in July for online revisits. For details, please visit the website of the CCPO at www.ccpo.gov.hk/en 
    The study tour is one of the activities of the Chinese History and Culture – Train-the-Trainer Workshops, co-organised by the CCPO and the EDB, as well as the Chinese Culture Promotion Series.
    Issued at HKT 16:45

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: Making good use of public housing resources

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, in the Legislative Council today (July 9):
     
    Question:　

         According to the latest information of the Housing Department (HD), as at the end of March this year, the average waiting time for general applicants who were housed to public rental housing (PRH) in the past 12 months maintained at 5.3 years, reflecting that PRH supply is still in severe shortage. However, the Office of The Ombudsman, Hong Kong, launched a direct investigation in 2023 into the Housing for Senior Citizens (HSC) and converted one-person (C1P) units, which were introduced by the HD in the 1980s, pointing out that these units are outdated in design due to the need to share facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens, resulting in persistently high vacancy rates and failure to make effective deployment of public housing resources. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: 
    (2) Information on the vacancy period of HSC units is listed in Annex 3.
     
    (3) The total number of PRH applicants who were allocated HSC units, and the number of refusals in the past three years are listed in Annex 4.
     
    (4) The number of HS1 and C1P units converted into ordinary PRH flats in the past five years (from 2020 to 2024) and the respective PRH estates/courts are listed in Annex 5.
     
    (5) It is the objective of the Government and the HA to provide PRH to low-income families who cannot afford private rental accommodation. Existing PRH resources (including HSC) should, as far as possible, be allocated to families or individuals on the PRH waiting list in accordance with established mechanisms to address their housing needs more directly and sustainably. Under the current policy, the purpose of existing transit centres and interim housing aim to meet temporary and transitional housing needs, and the current supply is sufficient to meet the demand. Currently, we have no plan to convert the vacant units into transit centre or interim housing.
     
         The Light Public Housing (LPH) initiative has progressed well, with about 9 500 units completed for intake this year, and around 20 300 units and the remaining 200 units expected to be completed by 2026 and early 2027 respectively, steadily moving towards the goal of completing about 30 000 LPH units by 2027. Converting the remaining small and scattered vacant units across various estates into LPH is not cost-effective. We will continue to work closely with the Social Welfare Department and social welfare organisations to encourage tenants residing in HS1 and C1P units to consider transfer by offering incentives and benefits, including joining the “Full Rent Exemption Scheme for Elderly Households” to enjoy lifetime rent exemption and domestic removal allowance, and appropriate support provided based on individual housing and welfare needs.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Applications for Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme Flats 2024 to commence from July 17 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:

         The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) announced today (July 9) that the Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) Flats 2024 (GSH 2024) will open for applications from eligible Green Form (GF) applicants for three weeks, starting from 8am on July 17 until 7pm on August 6.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Capital works expenditure

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ12: Capital works expenditure 

     About 5.1($billion)About 6.3Note 1: Subject to annual audit by the Audit Commission.
    Note 2: We do not have the estimate on the annual consultancy fees and remuneration of resident site staff. Based on past data, they generally account for about 2.7 per cent and 5.7 per cent of the total annual project expenditure respectively.

    (2) Based on the medium range forecast, the estimated capital works expenditure is about $120 billion per annum on average from the financial year 2025-2026 to 2029-2030. In the financial year 2025-26, the estimated capital works expenditure is $119.8 billion, of which the estimate on building projects and infrastructure/civil projects are about $61.9 billion and $57.9 billion respectively. The above estimates include consultancy fees accounting for about 2.7 per cent (about $3.2 billion) and remuneration of resident site staff accounting for about 5.7 per cent (about $6.8 billion). The annual estimates will be subsequently planned in the annual Budget taking into account factors including Hong Kong’s overall economic conditions, Government’s fiscal position, prioritisation of proposed capital works projects, progress of existing projects and overall resource allocation, etc. Hence, we are currently unable to specify the estimated expenditure for various project categories beyond the financial year 2025-26.Issued at HKT 16:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Empowering the Frontlines: Skill Fest 2025 Celebrates Samsung India’s Commitment to Service Excellence

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung India’s relentless pursuit of customer delight isn’t just built on innovation. It thrives on the strength of its people. In a powerful display of that commitment, Skill Fest 2025, a national-level skill enhancement initiative, has emerged as a one-of-a-kind platform that empowers Samsung’s Service Engineers and Customer Care Officers to excel, evolve, and lead with purpose.
     
    With over 3,500 nominations received from across the country, Skill Fest 2025 stands as a testament to the passion, capability, and diversity of Samsung’s frontline teams. From the hands that repair our devices to the voices that assure our customers, Skill Fest is designed to celebrate and elevate the very people who make Samsung India’s service experience seamless, responsive, and human.
     
    More Than a Competition—A Journey of Growth
    At its core, Skill Fest is more than a competition. It’s a nationwide learning journey that sharpens technical acumen, deepens customer understanding, and sparks creativity. Engineers and CCOs bring their best to the table not just in diagnostics and repair, but also in real-time customer handling, creative problem-solving, and process innovation.
     
    Participants demonstrate their prowess through:

    Innovative Jig Ideas for service efficiency
    Short Reels and repair tips to share best practices
    Real-time customer interaction assessments
    Personality and grooming benchmarks that reflect professionalism
    Core knowledge of smart connectivity, system tools, and service processes

     
    These touchpoints reflect Samsung’s people-first service DNA: skill, empathy, innovation, and ownership.
     
    A Rigorous, Three-Level Platform
    Skill Fest 2025 follows a robust three-tier structure that challenges and nurtures talent at every step:
     

    Level 1: MCQ-based Online Screening Test — Assessing theoretical knowledge of products, systems, and service basics.
    Level 2: Practical & Customer Handling Assessments — Evaluating hands-on repair skills, real-time problem-solving, and soft skills such as grooming and interaction.
    Level 3: Final Round of Regional Skill Fest at Samsung’s Service Academies — A high-stakes showcase of excellence, where top performers present their abilities to a panel of expert judges.

     
    Every level is carefully weighted to ensure fairness and precision in evaluation, while bonus points are awarded for originality, creativity, and initiative, further reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to holistic talent development.
     
    Samsung’s Service Engineers and Customer Care Officers at Skill fest 2025
     
    Inspiring a Culture of Ownership and Excellence
    Skill Fest is part of Samsung’s broader culture of care, where employees are trusted, respected, and enabled to grow. It aligns with the brand’s philosophy that a great service professional not only repairs a device, but also restores trust, comfort, and satisfaction.
     
    By investing in such comprehensive platforms, Samsung India ensures that its people, from audio-visual and digital appliance experts to mobile care officers, are equipped with the tools, recognition, and motivation they need to thrive. And when they thrive, the ultimate winner is the consumer.
     
    A Celebration of Passion, Innovation and Service
    The final leg of Skill Fest 2025 will unfold at Samsung’s Regional Service Academies, where shortlisted stars will battle it out in a celebration of talent and resolve. Winners will be honored not just for their skill, but for the heart and hustle they bring to the job every day.
     
    As India’s most loved technology brand, Samsung believes every service experience is a moment of truth—and Skill Fest 2025 proves that empowered employees create unforgettable ones.

    MIL OSI Economics –