NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: More imported air workers approved

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Transport & Logistics Bureau today issued letters to inform applicants about the results of the third round of applications to the “Labour Importation Scheme for the Transport Sector – Aviation Industry”.

    The bureau said that during the application period a total of 34 eligible companies submitted applications, involving requests to import 3,292 workers across all 10 job types under the scheme. Of these, 2,206 were approved.

    In vetting and approving applications, an interdepartmental liaison group took into consideration factors such as applicants’ business development needs and the requirements of the scheme, the bureau added.

    Upon conclusion of the exercise, all 6,300 places under the scheme have been approved.

    The bureau said it will announce details on further aspects of the scheme, including arrangements in relation to the expiry of imported workers’ employment contracts, in due course.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to NATO-Japan joint statement stressing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to NATO-Japan joint statement stressing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    • Date：2025-04-11
    • Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

    April 11, 2025 

    Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mark Rutte held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on April 9. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two sides strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of the international community’s security and prosperity and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. Furthermore, the statement recognized that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and that of the Indo-Pacific were interconnected, stressing that continued Japan-NATO cooperation would benefit the security of both regions. 

     

    This Japan-NATO bilateral meeting was the first since Secretary General Rutte assumed office. It also marked the third time since 2022 that the two sides had issued a joint statement conveying a high level of concern over cross-strait issues. The joint statement underscored the fact that the security of Taiwan has become a common global issue and that the international community has formed a high level of consensus on countering authoritarian expansion led by China and Russia and on ensuring peace across the Taiwan Strait. In addition, it demonstrated that cross-strait peace and stability are closely related to not only the security environment of the Indo-Pacific but also that of Europe. 

     

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely appreciates and welcomes the support for cross-strait peace and stability that NATO and Japan expressed at their meeting. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates that Taiwan, as an important country in the Indo-Pacific and a responsible member of the international community, will continue to work closely with allied nations to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific; uphold the rules-based international order; and safeguard regional and world peace, stability, and prosperity.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to display of Nazi symbol and salute at New Taipei District Prosecutors Office

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to display of Nazi symbol and salute at New Taipei District Prosecutors Office

    • Date：2025-04-16
    • Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 16, 2025  

     

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has noted that a Taiwanese national wearing a swastika armband and holding a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf made a Nazi salute at the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office on April 15. Like most other countries, Taiwan firmly rejects Nazi symbols, which represent an ideology of prejudice and hatred that led to the historic tragedy of the Holocaust. Many nations have also explicitly banned the use of such symbols. MOFA strongly condemns this highly inappropriate method of expressing personal opinion.

     

    MOFA reiterates that Taiwan is a country that respects freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. The constitution protects people’s right to express their opinions and exercise freedom of speech. MOFA urges the people of Taiwan to recognize the negative associations and historical trauma attached to Nazi symbols and gestures within the international community. It calls on the public not to bring distress to people of other countries, tarnish Taiwan’s international reputation, and engage in counterproductive forms of expression.

     

    MOFA sincerely hopes that the people and government of Taiwan will work together to actively demonstrate tolerance for different cultures, religions, and ethnic groups of the world. It looks forward to everyone jointly striving for a brighter and more inclusive future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to NATO-Japan joint statement stressing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to NATO-Japan joint statement stressing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

    Date：2025-04-11
    Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

    April 11, 2025 

    Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Mark Rutte held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on April 9. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the two sides strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. They also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element of the international community’s security and prosperity and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. Furthermore, the statement recognized that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and that of the Indo-Pacific were interconnected, stressing that continued Japan-NATO cooperation would benefit the security of both regions. 
     
    This Japan-NATO bilateral meeting was the first since Secretary General Rutte assumed office. It also marked the third time since 2022 that the two sides had issued a joint statement conveying a high level of concern over cross-strait issues. The joint statement underscored the fact that the security of Taiwan has become a common global issue and that the international community has formed a high level of consensus on countering authoritarian expansion led by China and Russia and on ensuring peace across the Taiwan Strait. In addition, it demonstrated that cross-strait peace and stability are closely related to not only the security environment of the Indo-Pacific but also that of Europe. 
     
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely appreciates and welcomes the support for cross-strait peace and stability that NATO and Japan expressed at their meeting. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates that Taiwan, as an important country in the Indo-Pacific and a responsible member of the international community, will continue to work closely with allied nations to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific; uphold the rules-based international order; and safeguard regional and world peace, stability, and prosperity.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to French Foreign Minister Barrot reaffirming France’s opposition to unilateral attempts to change cross-strait status quo by force or coercion

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to French Foreign Minister Barrot reaffirming France’s opposition to unilateral attempts to change cross-strait status quo by force or coercion

    Date：2025-04-11
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 11, 2025  

    French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot attended a regular hearing of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Armed Forces on April 9. In response to a question by Senator Olivier Cadic, Vice President of the committee, Minister Barrot stated that France and the other Group of Seven (G7) members had reached a consensus on the importance of maritime security across the Taiwan Strait and other regions before issuing the G7 foreign ministers’ statement on April 6. He added that France had participated in joint sea and air drills in the Indo-Pacific with countries in the region to reaffirm the high level of importance it attached to freedom of navigation on the high seas, as enshrined in international maritime law. He also noted that France remained opposed to any unilateral attempts to use force or coercion to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.
     
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely thanks France for continuing to monitor peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific, as well as reiterating its opposition to unilateral attempts to alter the cross-strait status quo by force or coercion. Maintaining cross-strait peace and stability is a matter of international consensus and common interests. The world is well aware of China’s attempts to steadily increase cross-strait tensions, change the cross-strait status quo, and undermine regional peace and stability. As a responsible member of the international community, Taiwan is committed to continuing to work hand in hand with France and other like-minded partners to jointly safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA expresses condolences over passing of former US Deputy Secretary of State Armitage

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA expresses condolences over passing of former US Deputy Secretary of State Armitage

    Date：2025-04-15
    Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

    April 15, 2025The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) expresses its profound condolences over the passing of former US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage. It has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States to convey its sincere sympathies to his family on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).Mr. Armitage served as assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs from 1983 to 1989 under President Ronald Reagan and President George H. W. Bush and as deputy secretary of state under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2004. An important friend of Taiwan, he staunchly supported both the preservation of peace across the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan’s democracy, making outstanding contributions to Taiwan-US relations and security in the Indo-Pacific. He also visited Taiwan on multiple occasions to convey his unwavering support. He was a member of a US delegation that visited Taiwan to meet and exchange opinions with President Tsai Ing-wen in 2021. In 2024, he joined former National Economic Council Director Brian Deese in leading a US delegation to the inauguration of the 16th-term president and vice president of the ROC (Taiwan), extending bipartisan felicitations from the United States to President Lai Ching-te and the people of democratic Taiwan. During that visit, he called Taiwan an important voice for democracy in the world and reaffirmed the United States’ firm commitment to ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He also expressed steadfast concern regarding China’s military threats and coercion against Taiwan, stating that the more China bullied Taiwan, the more the international community would speak up for Taiwan.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to display of Nazi symbol and salute at New Taipei District Prosecutors Office

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to display of Nazi symbol and salute at New Taipei District Prosecutors Office

    Date：2025-04-16
    Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 16, 2025  
     
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has noted that a Taiwanese national wearing a swastika armband and holding a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf made a Nazi salute at the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office on April 15. Like most other countries, Taiwan firmly rejects Nazi symbols, which represent an ideology of prejudice and hatred that led to the historic tragedy of the Holocaust. Many nations have also explicitly banned the use of such symbols. MOFA strongly condemns this highly inappropriate method of expressing personal opinion.
     
    MOFA reiterates that Taiwan is a country that respects freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. The constitution protects people’s right to express their opinions and exercise freedom of speech. MOFA urges the people of Taiwan to recognize the negative associations and historical trauma attached to Nazi symbols and gestures within the international community. It calls on the public not to bring distress to people of other countries, tarnish Taiwan’s international reputation, and engage in counterproductive forms of expression.
     
    MOFA sincerely hopes that the people and government of Taiwan will work together to actively demonstrate tolerance for different cultures, religions, and ethnic groups of the world. It looks forward to everyone jointly striving for a brighter and more inclusive future.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa’s coalition government is at risk of crumbling: why collapse would carry a heavy cost

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Vinothan Naidoo, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration, University of Cape Town

    South Africa’s multi-party government of national unity (GNU), which emerged in the wake of the May 2024 elections, marked a turning point in the country’s political history. It took South Africans back to the 1990s, when the country showed that political opponents could find common cause.

    The formation of the government of national unity expressed the hope that the country could do it again.

    But just nine months into its term, the good will and pragmatism which marked its formation have worn thin. A major budget impasse between the two major actors, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), threatens the coalition.

    South Africans have long been accustomed to viewing the world of politics, governance and bureaucracy through the lens of a top-down “strong” state – a vicious apartheid state, an East Asia style developmental state, or a collusive “predatory state”.

    But as recent analyses we co-authored with others have detailed,
    the vision of a top-down politically cohesive state no longer fits South Africa’s realities.

    The government of national unity promised the hope that the country was embracing an approach that is key to success for almost all inclusive constitutional democracies. That is – abandon “all or nothing” confrontation, and instead pursue pragmatic bargains to achieve mutually agreeable policy outcomes.

    At the most basic level, the government of national unity achieved this, at least for a while. The sharing of cabinet ministries between multiple parties created a diverse platform for executive power-sharing that was not dictated by a single dominant party, and which prevented the risks of parties building institutional fiefdoms.

    In our view, failure to overcome deeply ingrained political differences could set off a downward spiral in the country.

    Achievements on the governance front

    On governance, the government of national unity created the space to pursue two sets of gains.

    The first comprises the potential benefit of bringing together unlikely bedfellows.

    The former opposition parties brought into a power-sharing arrangement were bound to be performance-driven, given the country’s long deteriorating government performance and ethical integrity. They had made “good governance” and criticism of the ANC central to their political brands.

    New “outsider” eyes brought into formerly cloistered and factionalised ANC-run departments created the possibility of a new urgency to perform.

    It’s too soon to tell whether this is happening, but anecdotal evidence suggests there are some green shoots.

    The second governance gain comprises the crucial task of building a capable and professional state bureaucracy. The challenges include being able to pay the public sector wage bill, fostering a culture of delivery, and consolidating the bloated network of government departments.

    Based on their party manifestos and public utterances, members of the government all aim to professionalise the public service.

    Detailed technical work is already happening on issues such as training and competency assessment, transferring powers of appointment from politicians to senior public servants, and instituting checks in the recruitment and selection process. The National Assembly’s recent adoption of the Public Service Commission Bill forms part of this agenda.

    But a prolonged legal dispute between the DA and ANC over the latter’s policy of “deploying” party members into state employment risks scuppering progress. It also leaves a key question unanswered: what role, if any, should political parties have in the recruitment and selection of public servants?

    Policy

    The government of national unity has struggled to create effective mechanisms to translate agreement on a broad agenda of policy priorities into specific outcomes. This came at a higher cost than expected.

    Still, it has made gains in challenging policy areas. These gains have repeatedly been undermined by the perverse determination of sections within both the ANC and the DA to engage in brinkmanship.

    On health, both parties agree on the principle of universalising access. They differ on how to achieve this. But at least one seemingly intractable sticking point has been resolved. Both sides agree that private medical aid schemes need to be retained as part of a broader strategy of pursuing health system reform.

    On basic education, the public spat over the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill overshadows the potential to agree on balancing the autonomy of school governing bodies with the oversight role of provincial departments.



    Read more:
    South Africa has a new education law: some love it, some hate it – education expert explains why

    On land expropriation, the emotive rhetoric which followed the signing of the Expropriation Bill and the unwelcome and toxic intervention of international actors has overshadowed technical concerns which can be resolved.

    On pro-growth policies: Operation Vulindlela, a joint Presidency and National Treasury initiative to unblock constraints in targeted economic sectors, has made significant strides. It has laid the groundwork for new rounds of growth-supporting infrastructural reforms and has the potential to build cohesion in the government of national unity. However, the DA’s attempt to lobby for a greater role in the strategic oversight of Operation Vulindlela in exchange for supporting the budget risks souring relations with the ANC.

    What now?

    A thriving inclusive society depends on powerful actors visibly committed to co-operation.

    For all of the challenges confronting the government of national unity, it was built on a foundation of pragmatism. For the sake of South Africa’s future, it remains vital to build on this foundation. Obsolete top-down governing approaches must go. Pathways to performance must be lifted above political grandstanding. Constructive solutions should supersede ideological rigidity. South Africa has done it before. It can do it again.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. South Africa’s coalition government is at risk of crumbling: why collapse would carry a heavy cost – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-coalition-government-is-at-risk-of-crumbling-why-collapse-would-carry-a-heavy-cost-254302

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: More Warm Days Expected In Second Half Of April 2025

    Source: Government of Singapore

    Singapore, 16 April 2025 – Inter-monsoon conditions are expected to continue for the rest of April 2025. Prevailing winds will be mostly light and variable in direction, and blow from the southeast or southwest on some days.

    2          In the second fortnight of April 2025, short-duration thundery showers are expected over parts of the island in the afternoon on most days. On some occasions, the showers may extend into the evening. In addition, Sumatra squalls may bring widespread thundery showers and gusty winds during the pre-dawn hours and morning on a few days. There may be a few days with little rainfall. The total rainfall for the second fortnight of April 2025 is forecast to be near average over most parts of the island.

    3          The daily maximum temperatures are likely to range between 33 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days, with highs of around 35 degrees Celsius on a few days.

    4          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

    REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (1 – 15 APRIL 2025)

    5          In the first fortnight of April 2025, inter-monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore, with prevailing winds generally light and variable in direction. On some days, the low-level winds shifted to blow from the south or southwest.

    6          Thundery showers fell over parts of the island in the afternoon and evening on most days. On 13 April 2025, regional convergence of winds led to the development of intense thundery showers over Singapore in the afternoon. A total of 117.0mm of rainfall was recorded around the Yishun Ring Road area that day. This was the highest daily rainfall recorded for the first fortnight of April 2025.

    7          Although it rained across the island on most days, there were nine days when maximum temperatures of 34 degrees Celsius or more were recorded in the first fortnight of April 2025. The highest daily maximum temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius was recorded at Paya Lebar on 12 April 2025.

    8          Most parts of Singapore recorded above-average rainfall in the first fortnight of April 2025. The area around Yio Chu Kang Road registered rainfall of about 217 per cent above average, and the area around Kranji Reservoir registered rainfall of about 9 per cent below average.

     

    CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

      Long-term Statistics for April
      (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
    Average daily maximum temperature: 32.4      °C
    Average daily minimum temperature: 25.3 °C
    Average monthly temperature: 28.2 °C
         
    Average rainfall: 164.3 mm
    Average number of rain days: 15  
    Historical Extremes for April
      (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
    Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: 33.9  °C (1983)
    Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: 23.1  °C (1934)
         
    Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:  454.9  mm (1900)
    Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 16.6  mm (1977)

    METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE

    16 Apr 2025

    ~~ End ~~

    For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Kingsoft Cloud Announces Proposed Public Equity Offering and Concurrent Private Placement to Kingsoft Corporation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (“Kingsoft Cloud” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KC and HKEX: 3896), a leading cloud service provider in China, today announced the commencement of an underwritten public offering (the “Public Offering”) of 18,500,000 of American depositary shares (the “ADSs”), each representing 15 ordinary shares of the Company, or a total of 277,500,000 ordinary shares (the “Firm Shares”). All ADSs will be offered by Kingsoft Cloud. Kingsoft Cloud expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase additional ADSs. Investors have an option to receive ordinary shares of the Company to be traded on the HKEX (the “Shares”) in lieu of ADSs in this offering.

    Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C., China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited, Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, and Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited are acting as the underwriters for the Public Offering, which is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the Public Offering may be completed.

    Concurrently with, and subject to, among other closing conditions, the completion of the Public Offering, the Company’s existing shareholder, Kingsoft Corporation Limited (“Kingsoft Corporation”) has agreed to purchase from the Company certain number of its ordinary shares at a price per share equal to the Public Offering price per ordinary shares, in a concurrent private placement (the “Concurrent Private Placement”). The number of shares to be purchased by Kingsoft Corporation equals 20% of the aggregate number of (i) the Firm Shares and (ii) the shares to be purchased in the Concurrent Private Placement, subject to certain adjustments. The Concurrent Private Placement to Kingsoft Corporation is being made pursuant to Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Concurrent Private Placement constitutes connected transactions within the meaning of the Listing Rules of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and are subject to, among other conditions, (i) the approval by independent shareholders in a shareholder meeting the Company plans to convene, and (ii) the completion of the Public Offering.

    The Company plans to use the net proceeds from the Public Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement for (i) investments in upgrading and expanding infrastructure, (ii) investments in technology and product development, and (iii) general corporate and working capital purposes.

    The ADSs and ordinary shares are offered in the Public Offering pursuant to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. A preliminary prospectus supplement and an accompanying prospectus related to the proposed Public Offering have been filed with the SEC and are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The final prospectus supplement will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at: http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus may be obtained by contacting Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, c/o Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, 180 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10014, United States, or by telephone at +1-866-718-1649 or by emailing prospectus@morganstanley.com; Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, telephone: 1-866-471-2526, facsimile: 212-902-9316 or by emailing Prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com; China International Capital Corporation Hong Kong Securities Limited, 29/F International Finance Center, No.1 Harbor View Street, Central, Hong Kong, by email at ecm_supernova_plus@cicc.com.cn; Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, Attention: Asia Equity Capital Market, Level 60, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West Kowloon, Hong Kong, or by phone at +852 22038166 or by email at asia.ecm.internal@list.db.com; HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. sales representative or by emailing ny.equity.syndicate@us.hsbc.com; or Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited, c/o BofA Securities, Inc., Attention: Prospectus Department, One Bryant Park, New York, NY, 10036, United States, or by telephone at +1 (800) 294-1322 or by email at dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy ADSs, Shares or any other securities of the Company, nor shall there be any sale of ADSs or Shares in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “likely to”, “could”, “potential” or other similar expressions. Among other things, the Business Outlook, and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Kingsoft Cloud’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Kingsoft Cloud may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Kingsoft Cloud’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Kingsoft Cloud’s goals and strategies; Kingsoft Cloud’s future business development, results of operations and financial condition; relevant government policies and regulations relating to Kingsoft Cloud’s business and industry; the expected growth of the cloud service market in China; Kingsoft Cloud’s ability to monetize its customer base; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Kingsoft Cloud’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Kingsoft Cloud does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    About Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited

    Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: KC and HKEX:3896) is a leading cloud service provider in China. With extensive cloud infrastructure, cutting-edge cloud-native products based on vigorous cloud technology research and development capabilities, well-architected industry-specific solutions and end-to-end fulfillment and deployment, Kingsoft Cloud offers comprehensive, reliable and trusted cloud service to customers in strategically selected verticals.

    For more information, please visit: http://ir.ksyun.com.
      
    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited
    Nicole Shan
    Tel: +86 (10) 6292-7777 Ext. 6300
    Email: ksc-ir@kingsoft.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Labour dept’s work affirmed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Labour Department today thanked the Office of the Ombudsman for affirming the department’s numerous effective efforts to enhance occupational safety and health (OSH) in the construction industry.

    In its direct investigation report into the Government’s regulation of OSH in the construction industry, the Ombudsman recognised the department’s work, including amending the relevant legislation to raise the maximum penalties for OSH offences and revising the codes of practice to strengthen safety requirements for specific work processes.

    The department’s work in conducting special enforcement operations to curb unsafe work practices, improving mandatory safety training courses and enhancing the supervision of course providers as well as promoting a culture of safety via various channels was also acknowledged.
           
    Meanwhile, the department is taking follow-up action on the report’s recommendations, including a planned trial with small unmanned aircraft to assist in law enforcement in the second half of this year, in addition to exploring the adoption of speech-to-text technology to assist in taking statements to enhance the efficiency of evidence collection.

    It will also broaden the participation of safety committee meetings to cover high-risk private construction sites with a poor safety performance; strengthen monitoring of safety practitioners to ensure they discharge their duties cautiously; and enhance the monitoring of mandatory safety training course providers and instructors’ performance.
           
    Additionally, the Labour Department will actively study and follow up on other recommendations raised by the Ombudsman, and strengthen collaboration with the Development Bureau and the Buildings Department.

    It will continue to adopt the three-pronged strategy of inspection and enforcement, publicity and promotion, and education and training, complemented by the application of technology to actively foster OSH in the construction industry and enhance workers’ safety awareness.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Strengthening Anti-Corruption Standards in Kazakhstan

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The first element of the methodology is the identification and mitigation of corruption risks. Organizations are required to carry out annual internal analyses using defined risk indicators. Once the assessment is complete, each risk is evaluated along two axes: risk likelihood (from very rare to very often) and risk impact (from minor to severe), scored on a scale from 1 to 5. These dimensions form the basis of the visual risk map illustrated below.

    Figure 1. Example of Corruption Risk Map

    Source: Methodological recommendations for establishing anti-corruption standards.

    This process results in two separate risk maps. The first map focuses on risks associated with legislative frameworks, such as inconsistencies, ambiguous formulations, or gaps that can be exploited. The second map highlights risks embedded in organizational processes and managerial operations (e.g., recruitment, budgeting, and procurement). Including the risk maps supports a more structured and data-driven approach to corruption prevention. It allows institutions to clearly visualize, assess, and prioritize corruption risks, helping them target vulnerabilities more effectively and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 16 April 2025 EEF travelling session dedicated to scientific and educational partnership between the Russian Far East and Indonesia was held in Jakarta As part of the Russia–Indonesia Business Forum in Jakarta, the Eastern Economic Forum held a travelling session entitled ‘Expanding Business Interaction through the Mechanisms of Scientific and Educational Partnership between the Russian Far East and Indonesia’. It was devoted to the prospects for cooperation between the Far East and Indonesian regions in the educational sphere.

    Source: Eastern Economic Forum

    16 April 2025

    EEF travelling session dedicated to scientific and educational partnership between the Russian Far East and Indonesia was held in Jakarta

    As part of the Russia–Indonesia Business Forum in Jakarta, the Eastern Economic Forum held a travelling session entitled ‘Expanding Business Interaction through the Mechanisms of Scientific and Educational Partnership between the Russian Far East and Indonesia’. It was devoted to the prospects for cooperation between the Far East and Indonesian regions in the educational sphere.

    The panel discussion was attended by representatives of leading universities and specialized departments from Russia and Indonesia. The speakers included Ahmad Najib Burhani, Director General for Science and Technology at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia; Tatachipta Dirgantara, Rector of the Bandung Institute of Technology; Evgeny Vlasov, Vice-Rector for International Relations of the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU); Tri Andika Kurniawan, Vice-Chancellor of Bakri University; Yury Marfin, Rector of the Pacific State University (PSU);  Hamdi Muluk, Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, University of Indonesia; Elena Kharisova, General Director of the Fund for Development of the Russky Innovation Science and Technology Centre. The moderator was Elvira Nurgalieva, Deputy Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic.

    During her speech, Elvira Nurgalieva noted that the scientific and educational partnership between the Far Eastern Federal District as a region of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Indonesia is not just an exchange of knowledge, but a valuable practical tool for expanding business cooperation.

    “Implementing joint training programmes, launching new research projects, working to improve the quality of education – all this can create a basis for long-term economic cooperation. We attribute an important role in this process to the work of the Innovation Science and Technology Centre on Russky Island. We are creating a concentrate of science, technology, education and production at the ISTC, where comprehensive programmes will be implemented with government support to attract the best scientists, engineering teams, and specialists in various fields of science and technology, including world-class ones. ISTC will become an important platform for interaction with scientists from Asia-Pacific countries, in particular Indonesia,” noted Elvira Nurgalieva.

    In turn, Yuri Marfin noted that expert support for the development of the Far East and strengthening Russia’s influence in the Asia–Pacific region are tasks that are part of the PSU development programme.

    ‘That is why we prioritize the development of co-operation with representatives of the academic and business sectors of the Asia–Pacific Region. Universities can and should become a significant entry point to start a meaningful dialogue on cooperation in science and technology. To address these challenges, our university has been increasing the number of international students, including those from Indonesia, year after year. We have developed entrepreneurship training programmes for students and implement them both in Russia and in our partner universities in the Asia–Pacific region. We design joint business missions to exchange topical projects. The joint development of young people through university education in our countries, academic and cultural exchanges is the key to long-term and effective co-operation. We are making the greatest efforts in this direction,’ emphasized Yuri Marfin.

    Boris Korobets noted that FEFU has been a key partner in the development of Russian-Indonesian co-operation in science, education and new technologies for more than a decade.

    ‘We are joining forces with scientists from Indonesia to solve urgent problems in medicine, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology development. Today, FEFU is the largest scientific and educational hub in the Far East with a network of more than 200 partners in APR countries. Our university has 3,500 international students, and we plan to increase this number to 7,500 by 2030. The university has access to unique infrastructure for joint initiatives, including the Russky Island ISTC, which is a special economic zone with attractive tax preferences. Our technologies can make a significant contribution to Indonesia’s ambitious oil and gas targets, while our expertise in biodiversity monitoring will help with environmental projects for ocean conservation. The synergy of science, education and business that we are creating at FEFU will become a powerful platform for developing Russian-Indonesian co-operation and solving the global challenges of our countries,’ said Boris Korobets.

    ‘Bakrie University, part of the Bakrie Group ecosystem, is focused on addressing the challenge of ‘connectivity and alignment’ between industry needs and the higher education system. This is fulfilled through active engagement with industry. Currently 250 Bakrie Group companies support the university in the implementation of apprenticeship programmes. Bakrie University expresses its readiness to cooperate with Russian universities through internship programmes for students from Russia at Bakrie Group enterprises,’ said Vice Chancellor of Bakrie University Tri Andika Kurniawan.

    Igor Pavlov, First Deputy CEO of the Roscongress Foundation and Director of the Eastern Economic Forum, emphasized that international communication platforms are a working tool for establishing interstate cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

    ‘The Eastern Economic Forum demonstrates sustainable development dynamics, consistently strengthening its position as a global discussion platform for developing strategic solutions, including in the sphere of new technologies, education and science. As a new co-operation architecture is being formed, we are concentrating our efforts on deepening the international track. In this regard, we are actively co-operating with the Ministry for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, demonstrating the EEF’s capabilities at international events. This allows us not only to scale the business agenda, but also to build long-term partnerships with Asia–Pacific countries,’ said Igor Pavlov.

    ‘Today’s meeting was a starting point for meaningful dialogue and joint work. The next session, a large-scale gathering of university rectors from Indonesia and Russia lies ahead. There we will continue to communicate on a more substantive plane, focusing on the development of joint educational and scientific programmes. Our countries have long-standing friendly relations, cultural proximity and mutual aspirations for development. Today, all rectors have demonstrated openness, interest and readiness for co-operation. I take this opportunity to invite all participants to join us at the Eastern Economic Forum, which is held annually in Vladivostok with the participation of the President of the Russian Federation. This is a great opportunity to get a closer look at the economic potential of the Far East, its development programmes, and the region’s key venues – namely, FEFU and the Russky Island Innovation Science and Technology Centre – as part of the Indonesian delegation,’ Elvira Nurgalieva summed up the Eastern Economic Forum’s outgoing session in Jakarta.

    The Russia–Indonesia Business Forum was held on 14 April in Jakarta as part of the 3rd meeting of the Russian-Indonesian Joint Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation. The organizers were the Roscongress Foundation under the Roscongress International brand and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).  The Forum was supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, and the Russia–ASEAN Business Council. A multi-sectoral business mission organized by the Russian Export Center was also launched as part of the Business Forum. More than 30 companies from 12 regions are presenting their solutions to potential partners under the national brand ‘Made in Russia’ with the support of the REC.

    The EEF Business Forum session was part of the large-scale cultural and educational project ‘The Word about the Russian Heart’, dedicated to the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Indonesia and the 100th anniversary of Rossotrudnichestvo. The discussion was organized by the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic together with the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation (FEDC), the Roscongress Foundation, the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo), and the New City Creative Industries Centre.

     

    Read more

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Multinationals fast-track localization to leverage China NEV boom

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

    SHANGHAI, April 16 — The rapid evolution of China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sector is driving multinational corporations to restructure their China strategies, prompting some to scale up local investments across R&D, production and supply chains.

    German chemical giant BASF earlier this week announced a 500-million-yuan (about 69.3 million U.S. dollars) investment for the expansion of its Shanghai Cellasto plant, which provides noise, vibration and harshness reduction solutions for automobiles.

    To capitalize on China’s booming NEV market, the new facility will feature advanced mold lines and is scheduled to be operational in 2027, with a nearly 70-percent capacity increase.

    As a leading chemical supplier to the automotive industry, BASF strives to accelerate business growth in China’s automotive sector, said Jeffrey Lou, president and chairman of BASF Greater China.

    “BASF has made substantial investments in China since entering the Chinese market 140 years ago. Today’s expansion is another strong testament to BASF’s commitment to staying close to the local market and our customers,” Lou remarked.

    To deepen ties to China’s NEV ecosystem, some foreign automakers are shifting from traditional manufacturing partnerships to localized R&D.

    In March, German carmaker BMW partnered with Chinese tech giant Huawei to develop a China-specific in-car digital ecosystem, set to debut on BMW’s locally produced next-generation electric models in 2026.

    Before that, Japanese auto behemoth Toyota announced the establishment of a new company in Shanghai for the R&D and production of all-electric Lexus vehicles and batteries, with plans to start production in 2027.

    The new plant marked a significant investment in enhancing Toyota’s R&D and production capabilities specifically tailored for the EV sector in China, the world’s largest auto exporter.

    In January, Chinese NEV maker XPENG and German giant Volkswagen announced that they had signed a memorandum of understanding for strategic collaboration on a superfast charging network in China.

    Behind these localization initiatives is China’s supportive environment for the NEV market through measures like vehicle purchase subsidies, investment in charging infrastructure, and development of intelligent connected vehicles.

    Industry insiders believe that Chinese consumers’ openness to new technologies and demand for smart connectivity are unlocking fresh business opportunities for multinationals.

    Official data showed that China’s NEV production and sales both exceeded 3 million units in the first quarter of 2025, with each rocketing around 50 percent year on year. The country’s measures to stimulate consumption, including large-scale trade-in programs, are expected to provide a strong boost for NEV production and sales.

    “China’s NEV market holds huge potential, with a constantly improving business environment and well-developed, efficient industrial and supply chains,” said Gao Yuning, deputy dean of the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua University. “These are key reasons why foreign automakers are stepping up investment and deepening their footprint in China.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘Dalit Chetna’ Programme Organized by Sahitya Akademi

    Source: Government of India

    ‘Dalit Chetna’ Programme Organized by Sahitya Akademi

    Six Eminent Writers Read Out from their Literature

    Posted On: 16 APR 2025 1:08PM by PIB Delhi

    Six eminent writers read out from their works in the ‘Dalit Chetna’ programme organized by Sahitya Akademi on the occasion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.  Mahendra Singh Beniwal, Mamta Jayant, Namdev and Neelam recited poems and Puran Singh and Tekchand read out short stories.  In their presentations, all highlighted the basic teachings of Dr Ambedkar and his vision with the help of which a discrimination-free society could be created.  First of all, Mamta Jayant presented her five poems, titled “Sabhi Ne Chhua Tha”, “Jeevit Imaraten”, “Ishwar”, “Nahi Chahiye” and “Baheliyon Ke Naam”.  Namdev read out his poems titled “Baba Bhim”, “Gaadiwaan”, “Kuan” and “Pehchaan”, which reflected the current status of Dr Ambedkar’s dreams.  The titles of Neelam’s poems were “Sabse Buri Ladki”, “Nayi Duniya Ke Rachhayita”, “Tumhari Umeedon Pe Khare Utrenge Hum” and “Utho Sangharsh Karo”. The poem “Sabse Buri Ladki” inspired the struggle for women’s rights and equality.  Mahendra Singh Beniwal read out poems titled “Tasveer”, “Aur Kab Tak Mare Jaoge”, “Bhediya” and “Aag”, which very accurately brought out the dual mentality of modern society.  The story presented by Tekchand was titled “Gubaar”.  In this, the deep roots of ignorance among some communities of the Dalits were shown in a very simple way. Puran Singh read out his story “Hawa Ka Rukh”, which focused on the irony of a writer having to compromise as a result of various pressures.  The programme was conducted by Sri Anupam Tiwari, Editor (Hindi).  A large number of writers, journalists and students were present at the programme.

     

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Kashi Ringing the Bells of Progress

    Source: Government of India

    Kashi Ringing the Bells of Progress

    Building Modern India

    Posted On: 16 APR 2025 2:28PM by PIB Delhi

    “Today, Kashi stands not only as a symbol of antiquity but also as a beacon of progress.”

    ~ Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    Introduction

    On April 11, PM Modi launched development projects worth ₹3,880 crore in Kashi. The ancient city is getting a modern makeover. Roads are being widened; schools are being upgraded and new power stations are coming up. Kashi is growing while keeping its roots alive. From 2014 to March 2025, 580 projects were taken up under Kashi Development with a total investment of ₹48,459 crore. The aim is to improve infrastructure, preserve heritage and support tourism in Varanasi.

    Kashi’s Development Journey: Key Milestones

    🗓️ November 7, 2014: The Powerloom Service Centre was inaugurated and a ₹2,375 crore revival package was announced for district cooperative banks.

    🗓️ September 18, 2015: ₹572 crore was announced for Kashi’s upgrade, along with ₹11,000 crore for roads connecting nearby districts.

    🗓️ December 22, 2016: Projects worth ₹2,100 crore were inaugurated, including foundation stones of various projects.

    🗓️ September 22, 2017: PM Modi dedicated the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, a trade facilitation centre for handicrafts.

    🗓️ July 14, 2018: Foundation stone of key projects worth over ₹900 crore was laid.

    🗓️ March 8, 2019: The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

    🗓️ November 30, 2020: The 73 km six-lane NH19 built at ₹2,447 crore was inaugurated to ease travel between Prayagraj and Varanasi. The Maha Kaal Express India’s first overnight private train was also launched.

    🗓️December 13-14, 2021: Phase 1 of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham, constructed at a cost of around Rs 339 crores inaugurated.

    🗓️ July 7, 2022: PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over ₹1,800 crore. This includes ₹590 crore under Varanasi Smart City and Urban Projects.

    🗓️ January 13, 2023: PM Modi flagged off the world’s longest river cruise ‘MV Ganga Vilas.’ 🗓️ December 18, 2023: The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation several development projects worth over ₹19,150 crore in Varanasi.

    🗓️ October 10, 2024: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth Rs 6,100 crores.

    From Pilgrimage to Premium Experiences

    Tourism in Varanasi is more than just travel, it’s a journey through history, faith and vibrant culture. Below are key initiatives that are reshaping the tourism experience in the city:

    1. MV Ganga Vilas: World’s Longest River Cruise

    Launched by PM Narendra Modi on January 13, 2023, the MV Ganga Vilas is the world’s longest river cruise, starting from Varanasi and culminating in Dibrugarh on 28th February 2023.

     

    2. Tent City: Riverside Luxury Experience

    The Tent City was inaugurated on January 13, 2023 on the opposite bank of the Ganga from the city ghats. Open from October to June annually, the Tent City helps manage the increasing tourist flow by providing a unique and peaceful riverside stay experience.

     

    3. Shri Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

    Inaugurated on December 13, 2021, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor is a transformative ₹355-crore project that spans an area of 5.5 acres. It connects the Kashi Vishwanath Temple directly to the Ganges River via a four-lane pathway, making the temple more accessible to pilgrims.

     

    4. Monument Illumination Projects

    To enhance the visual appeal of Varanasi’s historic monuments, several illumination projects have been undertaken: In 2015, ₹5.12 crore was sanctioned for lighting up monuments like Dhamekh Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, Tomb of Lalkan, and Man Mahal. In 2017, ₹2.93 crore were sanctioned to illuminate Dashashwamedh to Darbhanga Ghat, Tulsi Manas Mandir, and the Sarnath Museum.

     

    Kashi’s Infrastructure Boost

    Kashi’s infrastructure development has seen major progress from 2021 to 2025. The Varanasi-Gorakhpur NH-20 (Package-2), a 72.16 km road was inaugurated on October 25, 2021. The project cost was ₹3,509 crore. The redevelopment of Namo Ghat (Khidkiya Ghat) was completed on November 15, 2024. The cost of the redevelopment was ₹95.2 crore. The ghat now features a cafeteria, viewing platforms and heritage murals. The construction of the jetty at Rajghat costed approximately Rs.10 crore. Each cruise boat was procured at a cost of Rs.20 crore. Furthermore, the tourism circuit along the riverfront will feature the construction of a walkway, a viewing deck, and a food court. The operation of cruise boats started in March, 2023.  Additionally, over ₹980 crore is allocated for flyovers, road bridges, and an airport underpass on April 11, 2025.

    Urban Transformation in Kashi

    Varanasi is undergoing a major urban makeover with focus on sustainability and civic upgrades. To reduce pollution in the Ganga, diesel/petrol boats were converted to CNG. This project, worth ₹29.7 crore, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on July 7, 2022. It is being executed by Varanasi Smart City Ltd. and GAIL. The Goitha Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), with a capacity of 120 million litres per day (MLD), was inaugurated on February 19, 2019. Built at a cost of ₹217.57 crore, it was aimed at treating sewage and reducing pollution in the Ganga. Under the Namami Gange scheme, a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with a capacity of 55 million litres per day (MLD) is also being built at a cost of ₹300 crore. On April 11, 2025, ₹345 crore has been allocated under Jal Jeevan Mission for rural drinking water schemes. Varanasi connected 55,000 houses to sewer lines under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation), using ₹105 crore, by March 2017. For better parking and traffic flow, the Godowlia Multilevel Two-wheeler Parking, a four-storey facility for 375 vehicles, was built for ₹19.55 crore and operates 24/7 with full security.

    Varanasi’s Handloom and Handicraft Revival

    Varanasi is renowned not just for its spiritual aura, but also for its rich tradition of handlooms and handicrafts. Generations of artisans have mastered the art of silk weaving, wood and stone carving, metalwork, pottery and jewellery making. Their creations reflect incredible skill and cultural heritage. Many of these crafts, like Banarasi sarees, Soft Stone Jali work, Banaras Gulabi Meenakari and Wooden Lacquerware & Toys etc, have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, marking their authenticity and excellence.

    To support and promote these traditional arts the government announced the establishment of a Trade Facilitation Centre and Crafts Museum in the 2014-15 Union Budget. This initiative aimed to help weavers, artisans, and entrepreneurs market their products. The complex was built over 7.93 acres with a total cost of ₹300 crore, providing a space for showcasing, training and selling local crafts. The Centre was inaugurated on September 22, 2017 and today stands as a key step in preserving Varanasi’s artistic legacy.

    Kashi’s Education and Health Drive

    Kashi is witnessing rapid growth through major investments in research, healthcare, energy, and education. The Inter-University Teacher Education Center (IUTEC) at BHU, Varanasi, was inaugurated on December 23, 2021. Built at a cost of ₹107.36 crore, it will offer a two-year M.Ed. program for 1,000 students. In February 2019, PM inaugurated the PARAM Shivay Supercomputing Center at BHU, with a peak performance of 3.3 petaflops and a cost of ₹32.5 crore. In agriculture, ₹105 crore bonus was transferred to Banas Dairy milk suppliers in April 11, 2025. In the power sector, ₹1,820 crore has been allocated for new substations and transmission upgrades. The redevelopment of Sports Stadium in Sigra is an ambitious project with a total budget of ₹180.03 crore (Phase 1: ₹90.01 crore, Phase 2: ₹90.02 crore). It was designed as a world-class hub for sports. It was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on October 20, 2024.

    Conclusion

    Kashi stands today as a shining example of how heritage and modernity can thrive together. With transformative projects in infrastructure, tourism, health, education, and culture, the city is not just preserving its spiritual essence but also creating a vibrant, future-ready identity. From ghats to gateways of development, Kashi is truly ringing the bells of progress.

    References

    Click here to see PDF.

    *****

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria/ Kritika Rane

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ18: Supporting development and application of technologies by small and medium enterprises

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ18: Supporting development and application of technologies by small and medium enterprises 
    Regarding the support for the development and application of technologies by the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), will the Government inform this Council: 

    Funding scheme(2) apart from the 15 funding schemes mentioned in (1)(a) to (o), whether the Government has other funding schemes to support SMEs in developing innovative technologies or applying technologies to enhance productivity, and whether it has evaluated the effectiveness of such schemes? 

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    Having consulted the Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, my consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Andrew Lam is as follows:

    Funding schemeHKSTPC did not maintain relevant information.
     
      
     
     
     
      
     
      
     
     
     
     Relevant government bureaux and departments will continue to closely monitor the actual situation, promote and support SMEs to develop innovation and technology or adopt technologies to enhance productivity.
    Issued at HKT 15:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Cosplay Championship Finalists Announced — A Celebration of Creativity and Fandom Culture

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 16 APR 2025 2:01PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 16 April 2025

     

    Last Saturday, the city of Hyderabad witnessed an explosion of creativity & fandom as the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) Cosplay Championship Meetup unfolded at Mindspace Social. Organized by MEAI, Indian Comics Association, and Creators Street, powered by Epiko-con, and in collaboration with Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, TVAGA and Forbidden Verse, the event was a massive success, becoming a trending topic across cosplay communities and anime forums throughout the weekend.

    Now, after an intensive nationwide hunt and a series of high-energy meetups across Hyderabad and Mumbai, the organizers have unveiled 29 of the most talented cosplayers who have earned their place on the final stage of the WAVES Cosplay Championship. These finalists will showcase their skills and creativity at Creatosphere during WAVES 2025.

    Ajay Krishna, Founder of Forbidden Verse and one of the organizers for the Cosplay event, said that what makes this championship different from other such contests is that it is specially designed to shift the focus to Indian mythology and pop culture apart from the other popular characters that are portrayed regularly in other such events.

    The next in line before the main championship at WAVES is the Mumbai Wildcard Meetup on 19th April. At this event, a select number of Wildcard Entries will be added to the finalists, bringing unexpected talent and raising the competition to an entirely new level. Prepare for a championship filled with surprises, intensity, and world-class cosplay!

    Official Finalists:

    1. KaizadSheshbaradaran – Mumbai
    2. Puneeth V – Bengaluru
    3. Shaikh Sameer Kalim – Latur
    4. Tejal Sanjay Mulik – Mumbai
    5. Anup Bhatia – Pune
    6. Navdeep Singh Pannu – Mumbai
    7. Akashi Gautam – Lucknow
    8. Aditya Kalebere – Pune
    9. Swaraj Kalebere – Pune
    10. Shreeharsh Narwade – Pune
    11. Vivek Dilip Mane – Pune
    12. Esha Joshi – Mumbai
    13. Kedar Pandit – Mumbai
    14. ArshyDeori – Guwahati
    15. Marshy Deori – Guwahati
    16. Md Piyal Shaikh – Mumbai
    17. Pranay Panpatil – Mumbai
    18. Gaurav Vishwakarma – Pune
    19. Akhil – Hyderabad
    20. Staya – Hyderabad
    21. Nupur Munda – Hyderabad
    22. Nakshatra – Hyderabad
    23. Ruchira Corolin – Hyderabad
    24. Sonali – Hyderabad
    25. Neeraj Kumar – Hyderabad
    26. Sravani – Hyderabad
    27. Akhil C.H. – Hyderabad
    28. Nayana Sai Sree – Hyderabad
    29. Leeladhar – Hyderabad

    The finalists were selected based on their craftsmanship, originality, performance, and dedication to character authenticity.

     

    About WAVES

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, a milestone event for the media & entertainment sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    Have questions? Find answers here

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Promoting student mental health

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Elizabeth Quat and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):

    Question:

         According to a research publication released by the Legislative Council Secretariat in October last year, the number of student deaths by suicide in Hong Kong has almost tripled in 10 years to reach at least a decade high of 32 cases in 2023. In addition, it has been reported that from the beginning of the current school year until last month, there have been nearly 20 fatal suicide cases involving students under the age of 19. Regarding the promotion of mental health among students, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it has compiled statistics on the number of primary, secondary and university students who planned or attempted suicide in the past three years, and among them, the respective numbers of those with special educational needs or a history of mental health issues; whether it has studied the reasons behind these students’ suicide plans or attempts, with a breakdown by primary, secondary and university students;

    (2) whether, in response to the reasons behind the suicide plans or attempts mentioned in (1), the Government will strengthen relevant targeted measures or support services to reduce the likelihood of student suicide; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (3) given that in the reply to a question from a Member of this Council on June 5 last year, the Government indicated that it would engage a consultant to evaluate the effectiveness of the Three-tier School-based Emergency Mechanism, of the results of the evaluation; given that the mechanism is set to expire at the end of this year, whether the Government will explore regularising the mechanism; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (4) as there are views that “schooling problems”, “family relationships” and “interpersonal relationships” are the main reasons for student suicides, (i) whether the Government will study promoting education reform or developing quantifiable indicators for schools to formulate appropriate school-based assignment policies, so as to reduce the learning pressure on students in the long term; and (ii) what targeted measures the Government has in place to combat bullying in schools, in order to safeguard the mental health of students;

    (5) whether it will conduct studies to improve the Three-tier Support Model (i.e. the three levels of “Universal”, “Selective” and “Indicated”) which the Education Bureau has encouraged schools to adopt to promote student mental health, including organising an off-campus support network through cross-departmental, cross-professional and cross-sectoral co-operation to enhance support for schools; and

    (6) whether it will deploy additional school-based professional counsellors to provide immediate consultation and referral services, and encourage community members, parents and other stakeholders to show greater concern for the issue of student suicide, thereby widening the support available to schools?

    Reply:

    President,

         The Education Bureau (EDB) attaches great importance to the mental health of students, and has been proactively providing support for schools in adopting the Whole School Approach at three levels, namely “Universal”, “Selective” and “Indicated” (Three-tier Support Model), to promote student mental health and enhance support for those with mental health needs (including those with suicidal risks). The EDB also collaborates with other bureaux/departments and different stakeholders to take care of students with mental health needs and provide them with support in different aspects through cross-departmental, multi-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. In consultation with the Health Bureau, our reply to the question raised by the Hon Elizabeth Quat is as follows:

    (1) As indicated in relevant international and local studies, suicide (including suicidal attempts) is a complicated issue caused by the interplay of multiple factors which are interconnected. These factors are mainly related to interpersonal relationships (including family, social and relationship problems) and personal issues (such as learning and school adjustment, depressed mood and mental illness). Therefore, suicide should not be attributed to any one single factor (such as special educational need or mental illness). The EDB has all along been requiring primary and secondary schools to report suspected fatal suicide cases of students in order to provide appropriate professional support to the schools concerned. However, it is not mandatory for schools to report attempted or planned suicide cases of students, and the EDB does not collect information on cases involving university students.

    (2) to (6) Cross-departmental, multi-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration

         The Government has been supporting student mental health through cross-departmental and cross-sector collaboration, and established the Advisory Committee on Mental Health (ACMH) in December 2017 to advise the Government on mental health policies. Among others, the EDB, the Department of Health (DH) and the Social Welfare Department (SWD) have also appointed representatives as ex-officio members of the ACMH to enhance cross-departmental collaboration and facilitate information sharing and co-ordination among departments, with a view to enhancing synergy.

         At school level, based on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Student Suicides, the EDB adopts the Three-tier Support Model through the Whole School Approach and multi-disciplinary collaboration to promote mental health and provide support for students with mental health needs. The Government continues to allocate additional resources to enhance the guidance services in schools. Apart from strengthening teachers’ training, schools have also set up multi-disciplinary teams (including school-based educational psychologists, guidance personnel and school social workers) to provide appropriate support for students with mental health needs. If students are found to be emotionally disturbed, teachers will refer them to professionals in a timely manner. Starting from the 2016/17 school year, the School-based Educational Psychology Service has covered all public sector ordinary primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong. In addition, the EDB and the SWD have been implementing the “one school social worker for each school” and “two school social workers for each school ” measures in primary and secondary schools respectively. Each school may, according to its circumstances and students’ needs, flexibly deploy related resources, pool together other school resources, or make better use of community resources and professional support, to employ qualified student guidance personnel or procure related services from organisations to enhance the support for students.

         Implemented in all secondary schools in Hong Kong since December 2023, the Three-tier School-based Emergency Mechanism (the Mechanism) is one of the Government’s measures to promote cross-departmental, multi-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. The Mechanism aims to, through collaboration among schools, parents and other stakeholders in society, pool together the schools’ multi-disciplinary teams, the off-campus support network and medical services to achieve early identification and offer support to students at higher suicidal risk. After reviewing relevant circumstances and gauging the views of the sector, the Government decided to extend the implementation period of the Mechanism to the end of 2025 and enhance the related arrangements including strengthening cross-departmental collaboration. The Government has commissioned a study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mechanism, and would closely monitor the overall operation and sustainability of the Mechanism by making reference to the evaluation results.

    Three-tier Support Model

         Under the Three-tier Support Model, the EDB continues to enhance the curriculum, information dissemination, activities, training and professional support on an ongoing basis to promote student mental health. Measures being implemented in the 2024/25 school year include:
     

    • Implementing the 4Rs Mental Health Charter (the Charter) to promote mental health in schools in a more comprehensive and systematic manner. As at the end of March 2025, more than 690 schools have participated in the Charter, with a number of partner organisations providing various activities. Schools participating in the Charter also make a pledge to join the Whole School Health Programme taken forward by the DH, thereby taking care of the health of students and school personnel in a comprehensive manner. 
    • Launching the Mental Health Literacy resource packages for students at different learning stages, as well as the one-stop student mental health information website, “Mental Health@School” (mentalhealth.edb.gov.hk), to facilitate teachers, students, parents and the general public to select appropriate resources and strategies. 
    • Collaborating with the SWD to arrange for non-government organisations to visit secondary schools in need to organise mental health-related activities since February 2024, with a view to enhancing students’ awareness of mental health and help-seeking. In addition, the EDB has collaborated with the Shall We Talk Initiative to arrange athletes to visit secondary schools to share the themes of positive thinking and perseverance so as to promote students’ resilience.
    • Organising about 40 additional thematic teacher training workshops to introduce practical skills, counselling techniques and intervention strategies in supporting students with mental health needs. The EDB also regularly shares the latest information and relevant resources through the “Mental Health@School” Teacher Professional Network, as well as organises thematic workshops for the Teacher Professional Network.
    • Promoting parent education through organising the “Caring for Their Heart and Soul, Growing along with Your Children” Parent Education Talk Series for parents of primary and secondary school students in the 2024/25 school year, so as to assist parents to acquire the knowledge and skills in supporting the healthy development of their children and taking care of their children’s mental health.

    School curriculum and assignments

         The aim of education is to foster proper values and positive attitude in students, while leading a healthy lifestyle is one of the learning goals of school curriculum. The EDB released the Primary Education Curriculum Guide (PECG) in 2024, in which clear guidelines and recommended measures for optimising the school assignment policy are provided. The PECG emphasises that schools should adopt the principle of “quality rather than the quantity that matters” in the design and arrangement of homework. Schools should formulate a school-based mechanism to avoid assigning excessive homework to students and monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the mechanism, with a view to creating more space for students. Schools should also arrange a tutorial session in the afternoon as far as possible for students to finish some or all of their homework under teachers’ guidance. The Secondary Education Curriculum Guide (2017) also stresses the importance of prioritising quality over quantity in homework, suggesting that balanced development and healthy lifestyle of students should be schools’ major concerns in setting their homework policy. Excessive homework should be avoided so that students could have enough time for rest, play and leisure. The EDB also reminds schools to review their prevailing assessment policies, including the frequency of dictations, tests and examinations, as well as the contents, scopes and modes of assessment. Measures include replacing traditional written tests and examinations with flexible and diversified modes of assessment; arranging less dictations, tests and examinations, or cancelling term examinations for individual year levels, particularly Primary One, where diversified modes of assessment instead of tests and examinations should be adopted in the first school term. Assessment at different key stages should be planned and arranged in a progressive manner to alleviate the academic pressure on students.

         Apart from the enhanced School Development and Accountability framework to promote self-improvement of schools in related areas, the EDB has also been promulgating the above messages and good practices to schools with a view to creating space for students and promote their physical and psychological well-being through various channels, such as the Charter, circulars, letters, featured articles, video and comic series, and onsite workshops for teachers.

    School bullying

         The EDB has all along been adopting a “zero tolerance” policy on school bullying and has been promoting a caring and harmonious school culture. In addition, we adopt a multi-pronged approach to implement the policy of preventing and handling school bullying, which includes providing schools with resource packages and teaching materials on the prevention of school bullying, helping schools develop school-based Peer Support networks, as well as launching the Peer Mediation Training Project for Peace Ambassadors and the Harmonious School Net. To further support students and parents in handling student peer conflicts or school bullying issues, the EDB has been providing the “Harmonious School: One-Stop Hotline and Counselling Services” since May 2024, for which registered social workers provide advice, counselling and case referral services for students and parents through the hotline and instant messaging software, as well as on-site support services for primary and secondary schools in need.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ1: Accessible toilets

    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 Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):
     
    Question:
     
         It is learnt that new public toilets built by the Government generally adhere to the requirements of the Buildings Department’s “Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 2008” and include accessible toilets. However, some wheelchair users have relayed that some of these toilets are not equipped with power-operated doors and significant physical strength are required to open the doors, thereby causing inconvenience to users. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the respective numbers of public toilets and accessible toilets currently managed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and, among them, the number of accessible toilets equipped with power-operated doors;
     
    (2) of the expenditures/estimates involved for constructing public toilets (including modification and refurbishment works) by various government departments in the past year and the coming year;
     
    (3) of the Government’s specific considerations in respect of the installation of power-operated doors in accessible toilets, and the average cost of installing each power-operated door;
     
    (4) whether the Government will increase the number of accessible toilets equipped with power-operated doors; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (5) of the following information on the accessible toilets managed by various government departments which have been suspended due to repair or other reasons in the past three years: the names and addresses of the public toilets in which they are located, and the total number of days suspended;
     
    (6) of the respective average daily usage of various public toilets of the Government that have been installed with the Smart Public Toilet System and the accessible toilets in these public toilets in the past three years; and
     
    (7) of the number of complaints received by various government departments about the use of accessible toilets in public toilets under their management in the past three years, as well as the major subject matters of such complaints; whether the Government has formulated clear guidelines and provided relevant training for frontline cleaning staff to improve the management of these public toilets; if so, of the details of the relevant training (including the training contents as well as the number of training and participants); if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Government is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities, so as to enable them to have a barrier-free access to premises and make use of the facilities and services on an equal basis with others, thereby enabling them to live independently and fully integrate into the community.
     
         At present, the provision of accessible toilets is a statutory requirement under the Third Schedule to Regulation 72 of the Building (Planning) Regulations (Cap. 123F), while the provision of power-operated doors for accessible toilets is a recommended best practice under Division 11 of Chapter 4 of the Design Manual: Barrier Free Access 2008 (2024 edition) (Design Manual). The Buildings Department commissioned a consultant in February 2024 to review the Design Manual (including the design requirements for accessible toilets) with the objective of enhancing the standards of barrier-free facilities in private buildings by integrating universal design concepts to meet the latest needs and international trends, and ensuring that the standards are feasible and pragmatic for implementation in the local context. The consultancy study is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
     
         The Government does not maintain a consolidated list of public toilets and accessible toilets managed by various bureaux and departments. That said, the vast majority of public toilets and toilet facilities (including accessible toilets) provided for public use in public venues are managed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), the Home Affairs Department (HAD) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). Having consulted the relevant bureaux/departments, I set out below a consolidated reply to the Member’s question:
     
    (1) At present, the numbers of public toilets, accessible toilets and the latter equipped with power-operated doors managed by the AFCD and the FEHD are as follows:
     

    Department Number of public toilets under its management Number of public toilets with accessible toilets
    (number of those equipped with power-operated doors)
    AFCD 64 54
    (0)
    FEHD 812 402
    (7)

         The LCSD also provides about 1 100 toilets in its leisure, sports and cultural facilities for use by service users. The vast majority of which are furnished with accessible toilets, and among these accessible toilets, about 40 are equipped with power-operated doors.
     
    (2) The expenditure and estimates of the construction of public toilets (including conversion and refurbishment projects) under the AFCD and the FEHD in 2024-25 and 2025-26 are as follows:
     

    Department Expenditure on the construction of public toilets
    (including conversion and refurbishment projects)
    ($ million)
    2024-25
    (Revised estimate)    		 2025-26
    (Estimate)
    AFCD 20.35 83.00
    FEHD 88.81 173.77

         When developing new or renovating existing leisure, sports and cultural facilities, the LCSD will provide barrier-free ancillary facilities as appropriate, including accessible toilets. The relevant construction costs are part of the overall project estimates, and the LCSD does not maintain breakdown figures.
     
    (3) and (4) According to the Design Manual, the installation of power-operated doors in accessible toilets is a recommended best practice rather than a mandatory requirement. That said, it is the established policy of the Government to follow the recommended best practices in the Design Manual, and where practicable, achieve a higher standard than the statutory requirements in the provision of barrier-free facilities. When considering whether to install power-operated doors in accessible toilets, the departments concerned will take into account a basket of factors, including the usage rate of public toilets, power supply and whether the physical environment (such as location in the suburbs) allows stable operation of power-operated doors. The departments concerned will continue to timely review the usage of accessible toilets and the needs of users, and install power-operated doors in accessible toilets as appropriate. In general, the existing cost of installing each power-operated door is about $50,000 to $60,000.
     
    (5) Information on the accessible toilets managed by the AFCD, the FEHD and the HAD that had been temporarily suspended for maintenance in the past three years are at Annexes 1 to 3 respectively.

         Regarding the accessible toilets provided by the LCSD in its leisure, sports and cultural facilities, being part of the facilities/venues, they will not be available for use when the facilities/venues concerned are undergoing repair, renovation and maintenance, etc. The LCSD does not maintain information on the temporary suspension of accessible toilets due to maintenance.
     
    (6) The average daily usage of public toilets installed with the Smart Public Toilet System and the accessible toilets in these public toilets managed by the FEHD in the past three years are at Annex 4.
     
    ​Besides, the LCSD has also installed smart systems in the toilets provided in its leisure, sports and cultural facilities, of which seven are located in Kowloon Park and two in Tsuen Wan Sports Centre and Hong Kong Cultural Centre respectively. The LCSD does not maintain information on the average daily usage of these toilets.

    (7) In the past three years, the number of complaints about accessible toilets received by the AFCD, the FEHD, the HAD and the LCSD are as follows:
     

    Department Number of complaints about accessible toilets received between 2022 and 2024
    AFCD About 20
    FEHD About 480
    HAD 2
    LCSD About 10

         The complaints were mainly about damaged facilities, insufficient facilities, cleanliness, etc. The departments concerned will follow up the complaints and urge cleansing service contractors to deliver the services, and arrange and provide relevant training for their frontline cleansing staff in accordance with the contractual requirements (including the level of cleanliness and service frequency). Site inspections and surprise checks will also be conducted by the departments concerned from time to time to better monitor the contractors’ service performance and ensure service quality. Besides, the FEHD has added new clauses in the dedicated contract for cleansing and management services for public toilets, requiring contractors’ toilet attendants to have received relevant vocational training and possess recognised qualifications.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM shares an article on how Dr. Ambedkar shaped some of India’s earliest and most impactful economic ideas rooted in justice, dignity and self-reliance

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 16 APR 2025 1:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today shared an article by Union Minister Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal on how Dr. Ambedkar shaped some of India’s earliest and most impactful economic ideas rooted in justice, dignity and self-reliance.

    The Prime Minister’s Office handle on X posted:

    “Union Minister Shri @arjunrammeghwal elaborates on how Dr. Ambedkar shaped some of India’s earliest and most impactful economic ideas rooted in justice, dignity and self-reliance.
    https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/arjun-ram-meghwal-writes-ambedkar-the-economist-9946393/ 

    via NaMo App”

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2122045) Visitor Counter : 140

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ16: Regulation of disposable plastic products

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ16: Regulation of disposable plastic products 
    Question:
     
         The first phase regulation of disposable plastic products (the first-phase regulation) officially came into effect on April 22 last year, and the relevant adaptation period ended on October 21 last year. There is a view that although members of the public and the trade have actively co-operated with the first-phase regulation and adopted to non-plastic alternatives, the types of alternatives (e.g. cups, cup lids, food containers and container covers) for some disposable plastic tableware available in the market are still limited, which may hinder the implementation of regulation of disposable plastic products in the next phase. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) how it assesses the specific effectiveness of the first-phase regulation (including the changes in the amount of regulated plastic tableware disposed of and the actual situation of the trade in the adoption of non-plastic alternatives); of the number of complaint cases received by the authorities since the implementation of the first-phase regulation, together with a breakdown by category of case;
     
    (2) whether it has examined the difficulties or technical problems encountered by the catering trade in sourcing or using non-plastic alternatives during the implementation of the first-phase regulation, and the support measures provided by the authorities to assist the trade in responding to this situation;
     
    (3) regarding the second phase regulation of disposable plastic products (the second-phase regulation), of the current state of discussions between the authorities and the trade, in particular on sourcing the relevant non-plastic alternatives, etc; whether the authorities have assessed the difficulties of different trades in adapting to the implementation of the second-phase regulation due to their actual operational needs; and
     
    (4) whether the authorities will consider extending the existing support measures for the trade, such as providing more detailed guidance on alternatives to disposable plastic products or technical advisory services, as well as proactively introducing high-quality non-plastic alternative products, etc, in order to help small and medium-sized restaurants make a smooth transition to the second-phase regulation?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         To reduce the use of disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products at source with a view to minimising the impact of plastic pollution on the marine environment and human health, the regulation on disposable plastic products (the Regulation) commenced its first phase on April 22, 2024, and the six-month adaptation period ended on October 21, 2024. Since the implementation of the Regulation, the trades have actively complied with the Regulation by stopping the sale or provision of regulated disposable plastic products. The public’s habit of using relevant products in their daily lives has also changed, with “bring your own reusable tableware” and plastic-free cultures being developed gradually in the society, thereby achieving an effective waste reduction goal. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) will continue to promote going “plastic-and-disposable-free” and join hands with different sectors of the community to promote a culture of green and low-carbon living in Hong Kong.
     
         The reply to the question raised by the Hon Dominic Lee is as follows:
     
    (1) Since the implementation of the Regulation on April 22, 2024, the public and the trades have adapted to the changes in their daily lives and business operations. For example, the number of takeaway customers who do not require disposable tableware has increased significantly compared to before the implementation of the Regulation. Some chain restaurants reported that more than 80 per cent of their customers no longer require takeaway cutlery. It is estimated that, on average, the Regulation can reduce more than 60 million sets of disposable tableware being disposed of in landfills in Hong Kong every year. Overall speaking, the Regulation has been effective in reducing plastic tableware and regulated plastic products from being disposed of in landfills, demonstrating a significant achievement in going “plastic-free”.
     
         After the six-month adaptation period ended on October 21, 2024, as at end March 2025, the EPD received a total of 108 complaints and reports, of which 98 cases involved catering premises providing regulated disposable plastic tableware, while the remaining 10 cases concerned other disposable plastic products. The EPD has investigated the complaint cases and issued written warnings to those with suspected violations, requiring the persons-in-charge to make improvements within 10 working days; otherwise, a fixed penalty notice would be issued. The EPD has followed up all the cases, with 18 catering premises remained persistently incompliant after receiving warnings. The EPD staff have subsequently issued fixed penalty notices of $2,000 to the persons-in-charge.
     
    (2) We understood that during the early stage of implementation of the Regulation, the catering trade required time to source non-plastic alternatives (such as paper straws and paper spoons) that met their operational needs in terms of quality and functionality. As such, the EPD had engaged the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency to establish the Green Tableware Platform (the Platform) (www.greentableware.hk 
         With the Regulation being implemented for nearly a year, the supply of alternatives has become more diverse, and the trades have gradually adapted to the regulatory requirements. We notice a continuous decline in the prices of these alternatives, along with significant improvements in the product quality. The catering trade has also progressively gained understanding and adopted suitable non-plastic alternatives. In addition, the EPD staff will continue to attend the Seminar on Restaurant Licensing regularly organised by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to help prospective restaurant operators understand the requirements of the Regulation.
     
    (3) Since March 2025, the EPD has been meeting with various catering trade associations to gather their views and concerns regarding the second phase of the Regulation, as well as to understand the latest development of non-plastic alternatives. While there are currently several alternative options available in the market, the diverse range of food items provided by the catering industry necessitates varying requirements for food containers. The Government will continue to actively collaborate with the suppliers of non-plastic alternatives to explore ways to enhance the quality of their products, meeting the practical needs of the catering trade. To this end, before implementing the second phase of the Regulation, the Government will thoroughly consider the maturity, availability and affordability of the relevant non-plastic alternatives with a view to striking a balance between environmental protection and sustainable development of the trades, and will consider the programme of further regulation in light of the prevailing circumstances.
     
    (4) Referencing the implementation of the first phase of the Regulation, apart from continuing to monitor the market development of alternatives, the EPD is preparing to collaborate with the trades and some large chain restaurant groups and expects to conduct various scenario testing of alternatives in restaurants in mid-2025. We will also continue to review and enhance supporting measures, engage with suppliers to explore further introduction of high-quality and cost-effective non-plastic alternatives, provide references of non-plastic alternatives to the trades through the above-mentioned Green Tableware Platform, and address enquiries from the public and the trades through the EPD hotline at 2838 3111. We will strengthen the relevant supporting efforts in accordance with the needs of the trades.
     
         Through various channels as well as publicity and education activities, the EPD will continue its publicity and education efforts as the main focus, supplementing these efforts with enforcement actions to encourage the public and the trades to participate in “plastic-free” in their daily lives and businesses so as to achieve waste reduction at source.
    Issued at HKT 16:08

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ15: Treatment for depression

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Pui-leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):
     
    Question:
     
         There are views pointing out that patients with depression and treatment-resistant depression (i.e. those who have not shown significant improvement despite two trials of antidepressants at adequate doses, duration and adherence) face higher suicide rates if their condition cannot be controlled, and this will also have far-reaching and adverse impacts on the quality of life for both the patients as well as their families. Therefore, in order to render more effective support for patients with depression and promote mental health for all, it is crucial to provide appropriate treatments for depression and keep track of patients’ data. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it knows the respective numbers of people admitted to public hospitals in each of the past three years due to depression and treatment-resistant depression, and their respective average numbers of days of hospitalisation; if there are no relevant statistics, whether the authorities will track such data in a systematic manner in the future; and
     
    (2) given that in the reply to a question from a Member of this Council on March 13 last year, the authorities indicated that in 2023-2024 (as at the end of February 2024), only 17 patients had been prescribed the nasal spray medication, Esketamine, for treatment of depression, representing a significant disparity compared to the number of patients with depression and potential treatment-resistant depression in Hong Kong, whether the authorities know the reasons for the low usage rate of such medication by the Hospital Authority (HA), and whether the HA will increase the use of nasal spray antidepressants in the future?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Pui-leung is as follows:
     
    (1) The Hospital Authority (HA) adopts an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach in providing mental health services. A team comprising psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and medical social workers provides a comprehensive range of medical services, including inpatient services, outpatient services, day rehabilitation training and community support services, to patients with mental health needs (including patients with depression) according to their medical conditions and clinical needs. 
     
         The table below sets out the number of discharges and deaths of hospitalised patients with principal diagnosis of depression (including treatment-resistant depression) from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (up to December 31, 2024) and their average length of stay in hospitals:
     

    Year Inpatients with principal diagnosis of depression (including treatment-resistant depression)
    No. of discharges and death of inpatients Average length of stay in hospitals of inpatients (day)
    2022-23 3 279 19.9
    2023-24 3 589 21.0
    2024-25 (up to December 31, 2024) 2 708 21.8

    Note 1: In the HA, day inpatients refer to those who are admitted to hospitals for non-emergency treatment and discharged within the same day. Inpatients are those who are admitted to hospitals via Accident and Emergency Departments or those who have stayed for more than one day. The calculation of inpatient average length of stay does not include that of day patients.
    Note 2: The HA does not maintain statistics relating to treatment-resistant depression. 
    Note 3: In view of the COVID-19 epidemic outbreak in Hong Kong in early 2020, the HA adjusted its services to cope with the outbreak. This should therefore be taken into consideration when comparing the service capacity of the HA in the respective years. With the subsiding of local COVID-19 epidemic situation and cessation of anti-epidemic measures in early 2023, the HA has been gradually resuming provision of all of its public healthcare services to tie in with the Government’s normalcy measures.
     
    (2) A number of drugs can be used for treatment of depression and different drugs have their efficacy and limitations. Nasal spray antidepressant (Esketamine) is one of the drugs. The nasal spray antidepressant (Esketamine) has been included in the HA Drug Formulary since July 2023.The respective numbers of patients prescribed with nasal spray antidepressant (Esketamine) in the HA in 2023-24 and 2024-25 (projection as at December 31, 2024) were approximately 20.

         The HA currently provides drugs, Electroconvulsive Therapy and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the treatment of depression. Healthcare professionals will arrange appropriate treatment to patients with depression according to their medical conditions, clinical needs and risks, as well as taking into the consideration the patients’ preferences. The HA has been expanding the coverage of its Drug Formulary through an established mechanism to provide long-term sustainable, affordable and appropriate support to patients with mental health needs.
     
         The HA will continue to review its mental health services and treatment options (including treatment of depression) according to latest scientific evidence and clinical needs to provide appropriate support to patients in need.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TD urges public to plan their cross-boundary trips in advance during long weekend of Easter holidays

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Transport Department (TD) announced today (April 16) that it anticipates a large number of passengers and vehicles travelling to and from the Mainland or Macao via various land-based boundary control points (BCPs) during the long weekend of the Easter holidays, especially on the first day (April 18) and the last day (April 21). The TD particularly urges members of the public to plan their trips in advance and allow sufficient travelling time.
     
         For public transport services, the TD has liaised with local and cross-boundary public transport operators to strengthen their services during the long weekend. The waiting time for public transport services, including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus), may be longer. Passengers are encouraged to make their journeys during non-peak hours, maintain order, and heed advice from on-site Police and staff of the public transport operators concerned. Passengers of cross-boundary coaches are also advised to reserve their coach tickets in advance.
     
         Motorists are advised that, subject to actual traffic conditions, special traffic arrangements may be implemented at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Port from April 18 to 21 to allow smooth access for public transport vehicles to the above control points. Cross-boundary private cars may need to queue to cross the BCPs. Motorists should pay extra attention to variable message signs and traffic signs along the roads. They are also requested to be patient in case of traffic congestion and follow the instructions of on-site Police.
     
         For the HZMB, to plan their journeys ahead, the public can make use of the TD’s HKeMobility mobile application to access snapshots of traffic conditions at the inbound and outbound vehicle plazas of the Hong Kong Port. They can also check real-time situations at the vehicle clearance plaza of the Zhuhai Port through the WeChat official accounts “hzmbzhport” or “zhuhaifabu” (traffic-info.gzazhka.com:5015/#/) (Chinese only), and check the forecast of peak hours of inbound and outbound vehicles at the HZMB Zhuhai Port through the WeChat official account of the HZMB integrated information dissemination platform (mp.weixin.qq.com/s/mT9D9et-FybKKXDw9nJ9Dg) (Chinese only). Moreover, motorists are reminded to always comply with the traffic control measures implemented by the Zhuhai authority when driving on the HZMB Main Bridge. Vehicles shall not occupy the emergency lane unless instructed by the Zhuhai authority.
     
         The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will continue to operate 24 hours to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services of different districts, including various BCPs and major stations. The TD will disseminate the latest traffic information through various channels. Members of the public are advised to check the latest traffic news through radio, television broadcasts, and HKeMobility.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Operation of Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Adrian Ho and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):

    Question:

         The Chief Executive announced in the 2022 Policy Address the establishment of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC) to be responsible for managing $62 billion of investments. It has been reported that as at March this year, HKIC has invested in about 100 projects at different stages of development. There are views that while HKIC has been in operation for more than two years, there is a lack of transparency as it has yet to disclose detailed information on, among others, the progress of its investments and the remuneration levels of its various senior management staff. This has also aroused concern about whether HKIC can really do a good job in vetting its investments in cutting-edge industries, such as biotechnology, financial technology and big data. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it knows:

    (1) the total amount of investments currently managed by HKIC; the respective total expenditure (other than staff remuneration) and total income of HKIC in the past year;

    (2) the establishment (including staff at all levels) approved by the Board of Directors of HKIC since its establishment; the total expenditure on the remuneration of its staff and the expenditure on the remuneration of its various senior management staff in the past year;

    (3) the composition of the Investment Committee under the Board of Directors of HKIC, the investment experience of its members (e.g. the direct or indirect investment and merger and acquisition projects in which they have taken part, and the corresponding amounts of investments made in such projects), and the respective investment decision-making process of the Investment Committee;

    (4) the number of days HKIC has operated since its establishment, the total number of investment projects vetted and screened, and the average number of hours required for vetting and screening an investment project;

    (5) among the 100 or so investments made by HKIC, of the names of the enterprises in each investment, industries to which they belong, their nature (that is, whether they are direct or indirect investments), the percentage of shareholding, the projected rate of return on the investments, the investment period, and whether there is any exit mechanism;

    (6) given that HKIC will organise the Roundtable for International Sovereign Wealth Funds and the Summit on Start-up Investment and Development in Hong Kong, of the respective estimated expenditure and objectives of these two events; and

    (7) whether HKIC has formulated various performance indicators or quantifiable standards (including but not limited to the number of enterprises facilitated to be listed in Hong Kong, the number of new job opportunities, the share of the industries in the Gross Domestic Product, and the definition of reasonable medium-to-long-term financial returns, etc.), so as to achieve the objective of enhancing Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness and economic vitality?

    Reply:

    President,

         In consultation with the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), the reply to the seven parts of the question is as follows:

         In the 2022 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced the establishment of the HKIC to manage a total of HK$62 billion under the Hong Kong Growth Portfolio, Greater Bay Area Investment Fund, Strategic Tech Fund, and Co-Investment Fund. The positioning of the HKIC is to capitalise the power of “Patient Capital” to channel market capital and leverage market resources, with a view to attracting technology enterprises to set up and continue their operations in Hong Kong, thereby accelerating the development of a vibrant strategic industry ecosystem, while seeking a reasonable financial return over the medium to long term.

    Investment Work Progress and Due Diligence

         Since its establishment, the HKIC has invested in more than 100 projects, including enterprises with cutting-edge technologies or in key industries. These projects are medium-to-long-term investments. Key themes include Hard & Core Technology, Biotechnology and New Energy & Green Technology, with the proportions being 56 per cent, 16 per cent and 11 per cent respectively based on the invested amount.

         With the further implementation of the HKIC’s investment, the relevant impact has become increasingly apparent, including (1) further activating the relevant innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong, attracting more cutting-edge technology enterprises to set up their operations in Hong Kong or expand their scientific research teams in Hong Kong, enabling Hong Kong-based start-ups to explore and expand into Asian and international markets, and facilitating more cross-sector and cross-industry exchanges between the technology and industry segments; and (2) leveraging market capital to support the development of local technology enterprises.

         The HKIC actively collaborates with different investment institutions, jointly making investment with them, and promoting the continuous development and application of cutting-edge technologies in Hong Kong. As of March 2025, every Hong Kong dollar invested by the HKIC has attracted over four Hong Kong dollars from long-term capital in the market for investment. Each of the above projects has on average investment participation from two to three investment institutions.

         The HKIC has clear requirements for investee companies to contribute to Hong Kong’s development in a sustainable manner, such as requiring the companies to establish offices in Hong Kong, nurture and attract talents, establish research and development departments and/or corporate venture capital (corporate VC) departments in Hong Kong, and prioritise Hong Kong for their listing. Many investee companies have made good progress in attracting capital and talents as well as exploring new markets, which has accelerated their planning for business development with Hong Kong as the platform. Certain investee companies have submitted their listing applications to the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited.

         In order to maximise the contribution of each investment to Hong Kong and to fully leverage the channelling force of the HKIC’s capital, the HKIC currently focuses on making direct and co-investments. Notwithstanding, having regard to the specific circumstances of each project (including geographical locations, investment themes, financing rounds, legal and compliance considerations), the HKIC will flexibly adopt different strategies, including but not limited to modes of investment such as equity, debt, or a combination of both, as well as different holding arrangements (including structure, holding period, and design of exit clauses).

         The HKIC has a robust due diligence and risk assessment mechanism. Drawing reference from the approach adopted by other long-term capital and institutional investors in the market, in addition to its internal team, the HKIC will hire external experts and institutions to support its relevant work when necessary. The time required for reviewing and screening varies for each project having regard to the differences in the specific circumstances of the project. Moreover, all investment projects are reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors (Board) or the Investment Committee under the Board.

    Organisational Structure and Governance and Operational Arrangements

         The HKIC’s organisational structure and operational arrangements (including budget) are reviewed and approved by the Board. Currently, the HKIC has four major departments, namely the Investment Department, Risk and Compliance Department, Legal Department and Corporate Affairs Department, with a total headcount of 53. With the full commencement of the HKIC’s work, the organisational structure is expected to be further strengthened, particularly on post-investment monitoring and legal areas.

         The HKIC reports to its Board on matters relating to its operations and investments. Apart from officials from the relevant government bureaux, the Board also comprises industry leaders from non-official backgrounds, including experts, academics and professionals with specialised technological backgrounds and extensive start-up experience. All investment projects are reviewed and approved by the Board or the Investment Committee under the Board. The Board will continue to review the governance and operational arrangements of the HKIC as and when appropriate, taking into account the direction of investment and the development needs of Hong Kong.

         With a view to allowing the public to have a more comprehensive understanding of the HKIC’s operation and business outcomes, the HKIC plans to publish its inaugural annual report in the second half of this year to present the progress of its operation and investment.

    Events to Promote Investment

         The HKIC is pressing ahead with the organisation of the 2025 Hong Kong Start-up Investment and Development Summit and the International Forum for Patient Capital (Forum). These two events will bring together key stakeholders from I&T field spanning government, industry, academic, research and investment sectors, providing them with a platform to exchange multi-dimensional views regarding topics on I&T, entrepreneurship and venture investment of Hong Kong, with a view to joining hands in building a vibrant ecosystem. In addition, the Forum will invite international “Patient Capital” investment organisations, including sovereign wealth funds, to attend, and encourage them to actively engage in Hong Kong’s financial market and I&T ecosystem. The HKIC is taking forward the preparatory work and will announce the details of the events in due course.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIA- UZBEKISTAN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE DUSTLIK-VI COMMENCES AT FOREIGN TRAINING NODE, AUNDH

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 16 APR 2025 2:39PM by PIB Delhi

    The 6th edition of India- Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI commenced today, at Foreign Training Node, Aundh (Pune). The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 16 to 28 Apr 2025.

    Indian contingent comprising of 60 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of JAT Regiment and IAF. The Uzbekistan contingent is being represented by personnel from Uzbekistan Army. Joint Exercise DUSTLIK -VI is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan. Last edition was conducted in Termez District, Uzbekistan in April 2024.

    The theme of the exercise will be based on the theme of Joint Multi Domain Sub Conventional operations in Semi-Urban Scenario. It will focus on responding to a terrorist action involving the capture of a defined territory. It will also include the establishment of a Joint Operations Centre at the battalion level for continuous joint operations, the execution of counterterrorism missions such as population control measures, raids, search-and-destroy operations, and the employment of firepower, including air assets, to neutralise terrorists. Special forces from the Army and Air Force, during the Exercise, will secure a helipad for use as a mounting base for further operations. The Exercise will also cover the deployment of drones, counter-UAS measures, and logistics support by the Air Force to sustain forces in hostile areas. Additionally, helicopters will be utilised for reconnaissance and observation, special heliborne operations (SHBO), small team insertion and extraction (STIE) and other associated missions.

    Joint Exercise DUSTLIK -VI will enable both sides to share best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting Joint Sub Conventional operations. It will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies. The Joint Exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.

    ****

    SC

    (Release ID: 2122061) Visitor Counter : 105

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: In a first, ECI trains Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to strengthen grassroot participation by political parties

    Source: Government of India

    In a first, ECI trains Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to strengthen grassroot participation by political parties

    Around 280 BLAs from Bihar of 10 recognised political parties take part in the 2-day training programme

    Posted On: 16 APR 2025 1:17PM by PIB Delhi

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced the training of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from Bihar in view of the forthcoming elections in the State. Around 280 BLAs from the State associated with 10 recognised political parties are taking part in the 2-day training programme being organised at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management, IIIDEM, New Delhi.

    Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi addressed the BLAs in a first of its kind training programme.  The training was conceptualised during the Chief Electoral Officers (CEO) conference held on the 4th of March, 2025. The Commission underscored the importance of BLAs in the election processes and asserted that the training programme would help them fulfil their responsibilities as delineated in the Representation of People act, 1950 and 1951, Registration of Elector Rules 1960, Conduct of Election Rules 1961 and the manuals, guidelines and instructions issued by ECI from time to time.

    The BLAs were given an overview of their appointment, roles, and responsibilities as per the legal framework. The training programme familiarised them with various aspects of the election processes including the preparation, updation and revision of electoral rolls and the associated forms and formats associated. BLAs are appointed by recognised political parties and play an important role in ensuring error-free electoral rolls as per the provisions of the RP act, 1950. The BLAs were also trained in the use of the provision of first and second appeals under sections 24(a) and 24(b) of the RP Act 1950 in case they are aggrieved of the final electoral rolls as published.

    ******

    PK/GDH/RP

    (Release ID: 2122044) Visitor Counter : 14

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2025 promotes collaborative development of digital economy in two cities (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    With the continuous acceleration of global digital transformation, data has become an important resource driving economic growth and innovative development, as well as a new production factor in the digital economy era. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data continue to jointly organise the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2025 (HSODC 2025) this year to inspire more innovative applications and collaborations in open data through the competition.

    Under the theme “Co-creating a Data Industry Platform for the Two Cities,” the HSODC 2025 invites participants to harness the extensive open data resources available in the two cities. The goal is to inspire innovative projects and develop advanced applications that emphasise four key areas: Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart Environment, and Smart Economy, thereby jointly driving deeper integration and fostering synergy between the digital economies of the two cities.

    Besides the competition, the organisers also hosted a forum titled “Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation – Our data Stories”. The forum brought together data scientists, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs from both cities to share their expertise in transforming complex data analyses into intuitive and compelling narratives. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation Pavilion at the InnoEX showcased innovative data applications of the two cities across various sectors including transportation, environment, healthcare and education. These exhibits highlighted how data-driven solutions help tackle real-world challenges, create social value, and unlock new opportunities. The Pavilion also serves as a unique platform for visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of the open data resources of the two cities and the potential for groundbreaking business collaborations.

    Registration for HSODC 2025 is now open until June 16. The competition is not only aimed at advancing the robust development of open data ecosystems in the two cities but also cultivating data talent. Participants will benefit from professional training to deeply explore the distinctive features and strengths of urban data resources in both cities. Shortlisted teams will receive specialised technical training from June to mid-August, culminating in an opportunity to present their innovative and unique data technology solutions at the grand finale in Shanghai this August. Exceptional projects may even be recommended to participate in the National Data Administration’s “Data Element x” national level competition. For more details, please visit the official website: www.eng.hkshadata.org.
    ​
    The DPO orchestrated an impressive lineup of flagship innovation and technology (I&T) flagship events in April, spotlighting Hong Kong’s dynamic and thriving I&T ecosystem. Highlights include the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion at the InnoEX, the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit, hosted in Hong Kong for the first time, and the highly anticipated HSODC 2025.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Work on attracting enterprises and investments

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Sunny Tan and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):
     
    Question:
     
         There are views that the fruitful results of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) in attracting enterprises and investments last year demonstrate that overseas and Mainland enterprises have full confidence in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as InvestHK indicated last year that it would first focus on attracting medium-sized Mainland enterprises that had needs to go global to invest in Hong Kong, and it has been reported that the number of micro, small and medium-enterprises on the Mainland exceeds 52 million, of the authorities’ deployment for the aforesaid work;
     
    (2) as it has been reported that some enterprises face problems in aspects such as talents, supporting resources and financing in Hong Kong when establishing presence in Hong Kong, and the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry has pointed out the need for the entire Government to be involved in resolving such problems, whether the authorities have conducted an in-depth study on the problems and difficulties encountered by Mainland enterprises when establishing presence in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) as the 2024 Policy Address proposes that InvestHK and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council will set up a mechanism to provide one-stop, diversified professional advisory services for enterprises in Hong Kong looking to go global, whether the authorities have conducted a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of Mainland enterprises venturing overseas markets directly vis-a-vis doing so through Hong Kong, so as to grasp Hong Kong’s advantages; and
     
    (4) whether it will consider identifying the problems faced by Mainland enterprises venturing overseas markets when establishing presence in Hong Kong, and strengthening cross-departmental collaboration among various policy bureaux and government departments having regard to the needs of enterprises in terms of products, production, talents, as well as financial, legal, dispute resolution and other professional services relating to venturing overseas markets, so as to formulate targeted relief policies and helping measures, such as providing more targeted talent and fund matching services; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         According to the latest annual survey jointly conducted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Census and Statistics Department, the number of companies in Hong Kong with overseas or Mainland parent companies rose to 9 960 in 2024, reaching a record high. The number of start-ups in Hong Kong also increased to a record high of almost 4 700 in the same year.
     
         In 2024, InvestHK assisted 539 Mainland or overseas enterprises in establishing and expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, representing an increase of over 40 per cent as compared with the full year figure of 2023. On a pro-rata basis, the figure well exceeded the performance indicator as set out in the 2022 Policy Address by the Chief Executive. Among those 539 companies, 273 of them were from the Mainland.
     
         The above fruitful investment promotion results fully demonstrate InvestHK’s work achievements and that Mainland and overseas enterprises continue to have full confidence in Hong Kong despite geopolitical impact. Those enterprises have selected Hong Kong as their base to expand regional businesses in Asia so as to leverage the commercial values that Hong Kong could offer as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” when assisting their global business expansion.
     
         In response to the Hon Sunny Tan’s question, our reply is as follows:
     
         The global trade landscape and geopolitics are rapidly changing, with parts of the supply chains shifting to the Global South and Belt and Road countries, while Mainland enterprises are also proactively establishing their presence abroad. According to statistics, there are currently more than 50 000 medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in the Pearl River Delta and the Yangtze River Delta alone, many of which involve overseas operations and have the need to go global with some of their manufacturing processes. Hong Kong’s rich experience in international trade and world-class professional services will be of assistance to such enterprises in seizing business opportunities when they plan to cope with the aforesaid changes.
     
         It was announced in the 2024-25 Budget that the Government’s goal was to develop Hong Kong into a multinational supply chain management centre. In his 2024 Policy Address, the Chief Executive further requested InvestHK and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) to set up a high value-added supply chain services mechanism for attracting Mainland enterprises to establish international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong for managing offshore trading and supply chain, and providing one-stop professional advisory services for enterprises in Hong Kong looking to go global. In December 2024, InvestHK and the HKTDC established the above mechanism. The two agencies are also proactively collaborating with relevant “Team Hong Kong” organisations, including the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC), the Hong Kong Productivity Council, etc., to jointly support those Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong to go global.
     
         Despite that those Mainland enterprises would need to react to the United States’ tariffs imposed on different regions by re-constructing their supply chain networks, Hong Kong’s rich experience in international trade and world-class professional services allow it to become the destination for international or regional headquarters of those enterprises to manage offshore trading and supply chain. The enterprises could also leverage Hong Kong as a springboard for their multinational business development. On the one hand, through its Dedicated Teams for Attracting Businesses and Talents based in the Mainland Offices, InvestHK is proactively organising activities under the theme of multinational supply chain, so as to actively reach out to more Mainland enterprises for investment promotion work. As at end-February 2025, InvestHK had organised and co-organised around 20 relevant investment promotion activities in various Mainland cities, including Hangzhou, Nanjing and Xiamen, etc. within around one year’s time. InvestHK will identify Mainland enterprises wishing to go global through various activities and attract them to use Hong Kong as a platform for them to develop overseas businesses and establish supply chain.
     
         On the other hand, the HKTDC is providing one-stop professional advisory services for enterprises in Hong Kong. Towards enterprises with plans of going global, the HKTDC will, through its overseas offices, render on-site support services. These include assisting enterprises in establishing connections with overseas markets and understanding overseas laws and regulations; providing market research covering various emerging markets such as the Middle East, Central Asia and Latin America; as well as providing information on various areas including environmental, social and governance (ESG), testing and certification and export credit risk management. Furthermore, in view that Hong Kong’s business sector possesses rich knowledge and profound experience in compliance, labour protection and environmental protection of overseas markets, the HKTDC facilitates collaboration between enterprises and different organisations and industry stakeholders to provide ESG training, etc. for Mainland enterprises seeking to expand their reach to overseas markets. This will help them build goodwill with business partners and expand their markets.
     
         Besides, the ECIC will provide credit insurance for export services relating to multinational supply chain so as to render more comprehensive support for enterprises seeking to go global. To assist Hong Kong exporters in expanding into Mainland and emerging markets, the ECIC has also increased the number of free buyer credit checks from 12 to 20.
     
         In fact, Hong Kong’s advantages for assisting Mainland enterprises to go global are very obvious and important. Apart from possessing quality talents who have rich experience in offshore trading and supply chain management and the relevant network, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, as well as plays the important roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, under “one country, two systems”. All these make Hong Kong a two-way springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global and for attracting overseas enterprises. Hong Kong’s institutional fundamentals, including the exercise of the common law system, independent Judiciary, a favourable business environment with efficient and transparent markets, a regulatory regime in line with international rules, a simple and low tax system, world-class professional services, and free flow of goods and factors of production including talents, capital and information, as well as key national strategies, including the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative, provide Hong Kong with unlimited opportunities and make it the only economy in the world where the global advantage and the China advantage come together.
     
         In addition, Hong Kong’s advantages and experiences especially meet the needs of small and medium enterprises from the Mainland (Mainland SMEs). Mainland SMEs’ demand for high value-added supply chain services is also consistent with InvestHK’s observations. During the past year, the Department noted at various investment promotion events that many Mainland SMEs had, upon understanding the aforementioned advantages of Hong Kong and the professional services it could offer, concurred that it would be far more effective and convenient for them to go global via Hong Kong instead of venturing overseas markets direct by themselves. They also expressed interest in establishing headquarters in Hong Kong for managing their offshore trading and supply chain. InvestHK and the HKTDC will provide these enterprises with one-stop supply chain advisory services and other relevant assistance through the high value-added supply chain services mechanism.
     
         To further step up co-ordination between bureaux and departments, with the support of the Financial Secretary, InvestHK set up an inter-departmental/agency referral mechanism led by the Director-General of Investment Promotion last year. By proactively collecting Mainland and overseas enterprises’ concerns and pain points when they plan to establish presence in Hong Kong, InvestHK reflects them to relevant bureaux, departments or agencies accordingly for exploring suitable solutions as appropriate. Since the establishment of the mechanism more than half a year ago, various issues have been successfully addressed to meet the needs of the trade, including opening of bank accounts, application and work arrangements for imported workers, application for use of vacant land, thereby facilitating Mainland and overseas enterprises to set up and expand their businesses in Hong Kong.
     
         Looking ahead, InvestHK will ride on the good momentum of 2024 and make every effort in attracting more Mainland and overseas enterprises to invest in Hong Kong, so as to continue to implement the performance indicator as set out in the 2022 Policy Address. At the same time, the Department will continue to work with relevant “Team Hong Kong” organisations to further enhance the high value-added supply chain services mechanism in order to attract and assist more Mainland enterprises looking to go global to come to Hong Kong and make good use of the city as a springboard to develop their multinational businesses. This will be conducive to Hong Kong’s economic development on the one hand, and facilitate the deepening of its international exchanges and co-operation on the other hand, thus responding to meet Premier Li Qiang’s expectations for Hong Kong, as set out in his work report this year, integrating into the overall national development while making contribution to the country.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Measures to attract inward investment

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Dr the Hon Kennedy Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):
     
    Question:
     
         Regarding measures to attract inward investment, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the respective numbers of applications received, approved and rejected by the authorities under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) since its enhancement measures took effect on the first of last month, together with a breakdown by the applicants’ place of domicile and total investment amount; and the reasons for rejecting applications under New CIES;
     
    (2) whether it has compiled statistics on, among the approved applications mentioned in (1), the number of successful applicants who have already made investments in Hong Kong; whether it has assessed the effectiveness of the enhancement measures for New CIES in promoting the development of family offices in Hong Kong;
     
    (3) as it has been reported that the delegation of Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress has proposed to establish a dedicated remittance mechanism called “Property Purchase Capital Connect” to allow residents of the Mainland and Hong Kong to make cross-‍boundary remittances for purchasing properties in Hong Kong or on the Mainland, with a view to further facilitating the flow of talents and economic integration between the two places, whether the authorities will look into this proposal and communicate with the relevant Mainland authorities in this regard; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (4) as it has been reported that even though the policies adopted by some countries to combat investment immigrants’ money laundering are more stringent compared to Hong Kong, such money laundering still exists in those countries, how the authorities strike a balance between anti-money laundering on the one hand and facilitating the entry of and attracting investment immigrants to Hong Kong on the other; and
     
    (5) as it is learnt that while persons who have been granted visas under New CIES may apply to become Hong Kong permanent residents after meeting the relevant requirements and having resided in Hong Kong continuously for seven years, there is no such arrangement for the major asset managers of family office who have also come to Hong Kong for investment, whether the authorities will consider putting in place an identical arrangement for the aforesaid major asset managers with reference to New CIES; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         In consultation with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Immigration Department (ImmD) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the reply to various parts of the question is as follows:
     
    (1) and (2) Since the implementation of the enhancement measures for the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (the Scheme) from March 1, 2025 up to end-March, a total of 174 applications have been received. The applications are being processed and no application has been rejected so far. Under the Scheme, applicants must invest a minimum of HK$30 million in the permissible investment assets. If all the aforementioned applications are approved, it is estimated that they will bring more than HK$5.2 billion to Hong Kong. Besides, since the Scheme opened for application from March 2024, a total of 1 092 applications have been received, having a positive impact on attracting more new capital to Hong Kong and strengthening the development of our asset and wealth management business, financial services and related professional services.
     
         In accordance with the application procedures under the Scheme, after InvestHK has verified that the applicant fulfills the net asset requirement, he/she may submit to the ImmD an entry application for a visa/entry permit to enter Hong Kong for residence (entry application). Upon “approval-in-principle” after assessment from the immigration perspectives, the ImmD will grant a visa/entry permit to the applicant for entering Hong Kong as a visitor for not more than 180 days for making the committed investment within the period. Among the 174 applications received in March, InvestHK has approved 99 applications for Net Asset Assessment, and the ImmD has received 65 entry applications. The ImmD will generally complete the assessment of “approval-in-principle” in around three weeks, upon receipt of all needed documents. Since no application has been granted “approval-in-principle” so far, applicants have yet to commence their investments in Hong Kong. The detailed breakdown of the 65 entry applications received by the ImmD is set out in the table below:
     

      Entry applications received by the ImmD
    Guinea-Bissau 41
    Vanuatu 15
    Hungary 2
    New Zealand 2
    Australia 1
    Canada 1
    France 1
    Greece 1
    Malta 1
    Total 65

     
         Since the enhancement measures under the Scheme have only been implemented for a short period of time, the Government will continuously review the applicants’ investment arrangement and suitably evaluate its effectiveness.
     
    (3) The Government has maintained communication with financial regulatory authorities in the Mainland on various cross-boundary remittance arrangements to seek to provide more facilitation arrangements for the convenience and benefit of the public and the business sector while ensuring that the risks are manageable. On facilitation for cross-boundary property purchases, the facilitative payment arrangement for Hong Kong and Macao residents purchasing properties in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), announced in January 2024, has been implemented. This arrangement applies to both newly built and second-hand residential properties purchased by individual Hong Kong and Macao residents, and allows them to remit funds in Renminbi or foreign currencies from outside the Mainland for property purchases and repayment of mortgage loans in the Mainland following the relevant procedures for settlement and payment.
     
         For cross-boundary remittance arrangements (including that for property purchases) for Mainland residents or Mainland talents admitted to Hong Kong, since it involves different regulatory regimes (including requirements for capital inflows and outflows), the Government has been, with regard to their practical needs, exploring facilitation arrangements with the Mainland authorities concerned, with an aim to explore a gradual approach for seeking suitable policies and solutions through close collaboration between the two places within their regulatory framework and existing practices. Any facilitation arrangements will be announced in due course.
     
    (4) Under the Scheme, an applicant is required to appoint eligible financial intermediary(ies) to manage the permissible investments in his/her designated account(s). The appointed financial intermediary(ies) is/are required to carry out customer due diligence and fulfill relevant anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), and report to InvestHK on the applicant’s continuous compliance with the Scheme Rules. When processing the applications for Assessment on Investment Requirements, InvestHK will also check the fund flow and investment arrangement of the applicant, and examine contract notes/reference letters, etc as provided by the applicant or issued by the appointed financial intermediary(ies). If necessary, InvestHK will also request the applicant to provide other supporting documents and information to certify that the applicant’s investment complies with the requirements of the Scheme.
     
    (5) Since the enhancement measures to the Scheme effected in March 2025, applicants may make investments through eligible family-owned investment holding vehicles or family-owned special purpose entities. The Government has included experienced management professionals in asset and wealth management under the Talent List to promote the development of Hong Kong as an asset and wealth management hub. Outside talents who meet the eligibility criteria for the relevant profession (including family office professionals and asset managers) may apply for entry under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, the General Employment Policy or the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals. Persons admitted under the above various talent admission schemes who have ordinarily resided in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –