NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI USA: November 1st, 2024 Heinrich, Hoeven: Senate Passes Bipartisan Resolution Designating November 2 as National Bison Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and John Hoeven (R-N.D.) announced that the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution they led to designate November 2, 2024, as National Bison Day.

    “Bison represent resiliency and are an enduring symbol of American strength. They have been a critical part of our culture for generations — in New Mexico, across the West, and especially in Indian Country,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Senator Hoeven to recognize our national mammal and raise awareness for the ongoing efforts to conserve this unique species.”

    “National Bison Day is an opportunity to commemorate our national mammal and the unique role that bison have played in America,” said Hoeven. “We are fortunate to have the bison as our emblem of the pioneering spirit exemplified by Americans throughout our history.”

    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    Heinrich and Hoeven introduced their bipartisan National Bison Legacy Act in 2015, and the legislation was signed into law in 2016. The National Bison Legacy Act recognized the bison’s significance in American history and designated it as the United States’ national mammal.

    Heinrich and Hoeven are the Chairman and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Announces Cedar Rapids Veterans History Project Event

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – In honor of Veterans Day, the office of U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), along with students from Kirkwood Community College, will host its eighth annual Veterans History Project event to chronicle firsthand accounts of Iowa veterans. 

    “The past informs the present and shapes the future. That’s why the Veterans History Project is so valuable – it preserves our service members’ stories for future generations to learn about their experiences and the sacrifices they made for our great nation,” Grassley said. “I want to offer my deepest gratitude to all the veterans in Iowa for their selflessness, and many thanks to those participating in this year’s event.”

    Event details follow:

    WHAT: Veterans History Project

    WHEN: Friday, November 8, 2024, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT

    WHERE: Veterans Memorial Building, 51 1st Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids

    While the event will run from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT, local media is encouraged to attend from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT. Members of the media who wish to attend must RSVP directly to Hannah_Akey@grassley.senate.gov. 

    ***Grassley participated in a question-and-answer (Q&A) session for Iowans about the Veterans History Project. The Q&A is for publication***

    Q&A: Veterans History Project

    With U.S Senator Chuck Grassley

    Q: What is the Veterans History Project?

    A: Approved unanimously by Congress in 2000, the Veterans History Project came about through a grassroots effort to preserve the oral histories of America’s brave service men and women. The Library of Congress serves as the permanent repository for recorded veterans’ interviews submitted from local communities across the United States. The project honors those who have served in uniform and helps ensure future generations understand military service and the realities of war. In addition to audio and video recordings, the mission to preserve the memories and memorabilia from America’s veterans also includes letters, diaries, artwork and photographs. In 2016, Congress expanded the collection to include oral histories from family members memorializing loved ones who died as a result of their military service during war. To date, the collection includes firsthand narratives of U.S. military veterans from World War I through present day. The stories of more than 100,000 veterans are now part of the collection. 

    As a history enthusiast and U.S. Senator, I wanted to help preserve the stories of Iowa’s brave heroes who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In 2018, my office launched an annual event to interview hometown heroes for the Veterans History Project. Typically held the Friday before Veterans Day, my office invites local veterans to share their stories in a 30- to 60-minute interview. To date, my office has submitted 83 interviews from Iowa veterans at events held across the state, including those recorded at the Iowa Gold Star Museum in Johnston (2018); the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown (2019); the Veterans Post in Waverly (2020); 185th Air Refueling Wing in Sioux City (2021); the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo (2022); and, the Rock Island Arsenal Museum (2023). It is my honor to provide a platform for Iowa veterans and their loved ones, so that their stories aren’t lost to history. Listening to the voices of veterans sharing first-hand accounts of their military service and experiences during wartime is powerful testimony.

    Q: Where will your office hold interviews this year for the Veterans History Project?

    A: On Friday, Nov. 8, my office will host our eighth annual Veterans History Project in Cedar Rapids. I’m pleased to have students from Kirkwood Community College joining us this year to help facilitate the recordings and provide technical support. Interviews will take place at the Veterans Memorial Building, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at 51 1st Ave. Bridge, in Cedar Rapids. Iowans interested in participating should contact my office in Cedar Rapids, (319) 363-6832 to schedule their interview. 

    According to the U.S. Census, veterans make up 6.5 percent of Iowa’s population; the Department of Veterans Affairs calculates 193,861 Iowans are among approximately 18 million living veterans in the United States today. Of wartime veterans, Iowa is home to 3,716 World War II veterans; 16,246 from the Korean conflict; 64,900 during Vietnam era; and 65,926 from the Gulf War. Census Bureau data show a shrinking share of U.S. adults are veterans, from about 18 percent of the population in 1980 to six percent in 2022. As fewer people have a direct connection to an active duty service member, or serve in uniform themselves, it’s important to preserve the stories of those who have served in the Armed Forces to ensure their service and sacrifice on behalf of our nation is honored and remembered for generations to come. God bless our veterans and service members currently serving who have answered the call to protect and defend our cherished blessings of freedom.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $7.7M Awarded to WA Tribes to Boost Drinking Water Safety and Supply

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    11.01.24
    $7.7M Awarded to WA Tribes to Boost Drinking Water Safety and Supply
    $3.4M to Lummi, $2.3M to Kalispel, $1.8M to Makah, $111K to Colville, & $74K to Hoh for water infrastructure projects
    EDMONDS, WA – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, announced that five tribes in Washington state will receive grants totaling $7,768,391 for projects to address inadequate water infrastructure and improve the safety and supply of drinking water for their members.
    The money comes from the Bureau of Reclamation’s Tribal Domestic Water Program, one of many important investments championed by Sen. Cantwell in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).  
    The Lummi Tribe received $3,410,000 for a project to increase water supply, upgrade arsenic treatment, and manage saltwater intrusion risk.
    “This money will fund important planning projects for water treatment, alternative water sources, and assessing saltwater intrusion risk,” said Sen. Cantwell. “The projects will help secure supplies of safe, available drinking water for members of the Lummi Tribe.”
    The Tribe will complete a study for an alternative water source, prepare plans and designs for a water treatment plant, and complete necessary environmental compliance and permitting. The Tribe will also complete a Saltwater Intrusion Risk Study and Saltwater Intrusion Risk Management Plan, which aim to mitigate the contamination of freshwater aquifers by the ocean.
    The Kalispel Tribe of Indians received $2,357,536 for water infrastructure planning and design.
    “This funding will jumpstart a Kalispel Tribe project to develop new water sources that the Tribe will own and operate, ensuring reliable access to safe drinking water,” said Sen. Cantwell.
    The Tribe will plan, design, and acquire permits for a domestic drinking water project on the Kalispel Reservation. The project will provide planning and design to develop new water sources owned and operated by the Tribe, and to integrate the new sources with the existing system, providing access to safe, regulated, and clean drinking water to underserved homes and public facilities.
    The Makah Tribe received $1,813,991 for their Community Water System Critical Infrastructure, Community Health & Safety project.
    “The Makah Tribe will use these funds to address water quality and availability issues by finding and developing new sources of water,” said Sen. Cantwell.
    The Tribe will evaluate and identify alternative water supply sources to address water quantity and quality issues impacting water availability for the Makah Community Water System and the health of the community.
    The Confederated Tribes of the Colville received $111,995 for their Keller Water System Main Loop Replacement Design project.
    “The Colville Tribe will use this funding to replace water infrastructure that was destroyed in a flood, reestablishing a second supply of water for residents of the rural town of Keller,” said Sen. Cantwell.
    The Tribe will replace a crucial component of the water system for the isolated Tribal town of Keller, WA. Recent severe floods broke a looping line for the town’s water system. Now the town is reliant on a single water supply line, at risk of interruptions to its water supply from impacts to the main trunk line and water quality degradation from line dead ends. This project proposes to design a replacement looping line suspended from the Silver Creek Road bridge, which will be more resilient in the face of future flood events.
    The Hoh Indian Tribe received $74,869 for their Hoh Tribe Highlands Water System Expansion Plan Development project.
    “This funding will help the Hoh Tribe build infrastructure to ensure that they can provide enough safe drinking water to meet current and future needs,” said Sen. Cantwell.
    The Tribe will develop a Water System Plan to guide the development of an expanded water delivery system and long-term system management in the Highland area. The plan will confirm current water use amounts, estimate future water demand, develop a water system piping network, water quality monitoring and reporting protocols and procedures, and formulate a long-term operations and financial plan.
    Tribal Domestic Water Program funding is available to communities in the 17 western U.S. states served by the Bureau of Reclamation, which will implement the program in two phases. The phase one funding is for planning, design, or construction in fiscal year 2024; and phase two funding will be for construction in fiscal years 2027 and 2028. 
    The IRA invests an overall $550 million to ensure communities or households have reliable access to clean domestic water supplies in historically disadvantaged communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly and Minister Blair meet with Korean counterparts

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, met today in Ottawa with their Republic of Korea counterparts, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting.

    November 1, 2024 Ottawa, Ontario- – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, met today in Ottawa with their Republic of Korea counterparts, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul and Minister of National Defence Kim Yong-hyun for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting.

    Through new announcements and initiatives, Canada and the Republic of Korea will deepen cooperation as strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific, including through our shared priorities in the North Pacific, and further the significant progress already achieved in our bilateral relations.

    This builds on Minister Joly’s visit to South Korea in July 2024 to launch the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Action Plan with Minister Cho, and Minister Blair’s visit in September 2024 to co-host the Republic of Korea-United Nations Command Member States Defence Ministerial with Minister Kim.

    Canada and the Republic of Korea have issued a joint statement to deepen cooperation on shared regional and global issues and to condemn in the strongest possible terms the growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, North Korea’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile launch, and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

    Canada and the Republic of Korea are gravely concerned that large numbers of North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia. This is a significant escalation with dangerous implications for security and stability in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. Together, Canada and the Republic of Korea call on North Korea and Russia to withdraw North Korean troops from Russia. 

    For more than 60 years, Canada and the Republic of Korea have enjoyed a close friendship and longstanding peace and security cooperation that dates back to the Korean War. 

    Today, this partnership facilitated discussions that will help expand collaboration in the years ahead, including during Canada’s G7 Presidency and when the Republic of Korea hosts APEC in 2025. 

    These discussions touched on the Indo-Pacific strategies of our two countries that outline a common vision for ensuring the region remains secure, free and prosperous into the future.

    To help realize this objective, Canada and the Republic of Korea agreed to launch the Canada-Korea Indo-Pacific Dialogue to allow direct collaboration between our Special Envoys for the Indo-Pacific.

    Both countries have agreed to hold these ministerial dialogues on an ongoing basis to continue advancing Canada-ROK cooperation on a range of shared priorities.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada-Republic of Korea Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting joint statement

    Source: Government of Canada News

    We, the ministers of foreign affairs and ministers of national defence of Canada and the Republic of Korea (ROK) met on November 1, 2024, in Ottawa, Canada, for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting (“the ministerial”). The ministerial builds upon the elevation of our diplomatic relationship to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and is a key deliverable of the CSP Action Plan launched in July 2024.

    November 1, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    We, the ministers of foreign affairs and ministers of national defence of Canada and the Republic of Korea (ROK) met on November 1, 2024, in Ottawa, Canada, for the inaugural Canada-ROK Foreign and Defence (2+2) Ministerial Meeting (“the ministerial”). The ministerial builds upon the elevation of our diplomatic relationship to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and is a key deliverable of the CSP Action Plan launched in July 2024.

    Today, through several new announcements and initiatives, we demonstrate our resolve to deepen cooperation to reinforce global stability in the face of interconnected challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. In this, Canada and the ROK are stronger together.

    Partners for global stability

    We condemn in the strongest possible terms North Korea’s deepening military cooperation with Russia in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, including the provision of millions of rounds of ammunition and ballistic missiles to support Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable war of aggression in Ukraine. We are gravely concerned that large numbers of North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, which is a significant escalation with dangerous implications for security and stability in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region. We are closely monitoring what Russia provides North Korea in return for weapons and military personnel, including Russia’s possible provision of sensitive technology to advance North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs. We call on North Korea and Russia to immediately cease these unlawful and destabilizing activities and to withdraw North Korean troops from Russia. Recognizing that the security of the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions are increasingly interconnected, we commit to actively pursuing further measures together with the international community. 

    We call on Russia to withdraw its forces immediately, completely, and unconditionally from all Ukrainian territory to its internationally recognized borders; we reiterate our unwavering support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect and defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

    We express our deep concern with any nation’s efforts to support Russia’s war economy, such as through the transfer of dual-use materials, including weapons components and equipment, which enable Russia to prolong and sustain its illegal war in Ukraine.

    We condemn North Korea’s nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missile programs, and continued missile launches, including its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test on October 31 (local time), which threatens peace and stability in the region and across the globe, are in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and international law. It only demonstrates that North Korea continues to prioritize its unlawful WMD and ballistic missile programs over the well-being of its people, and we call on North Korea to cease its destabilizing actions. We reaffirm that any further nuclear test by North Korea would be met with a strong and resolute response from the international community. We continue to call for the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of North Korea’s WMDs. The ROK reiterated the goals of its Audacious Initiative and ‘August 15 Unification Doctrine’ and

    Canada expressed strong support for the ROK’s efforts to achieve a denuclearized, free, peaceful, prosperous, and unified Korean Peninsula.

    Both countries remain committed to multilateral sanctions evasion monitoring efforts and Canada will continue to provide assets via the Canadian Armed Forces’ Operation NEON. 

    We were pleased to join other participating countries last month in launching the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT). We reaffirm the goal of assisting all UN Member States in implementing UN sanctions on North Korea by publishing information on sanctions violations and evasion attempts.

    We highlight the valuable contributions of the United Nations Command (UNC) to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The ROK commends Canada for its unwavering support of the UNC since its inception, and Canada’s current leadership role within the UNC through its provision of its Deputy Commander. The co-hosting of the UNC Ministerial together this year is a symbol of our powerful ties and shared priorities in the areas of security and defence, and we will continue to collaborate closely to strengthen cooperation among the ROK, UNC and its Member States.

    The ROK and Canada are committed to working together to actively promote and protect human rights in the Indo-Pacific and around the world, including within North Korea and to seeking accountability for human rights violations.

    We reiterate that the situation of human rights in North Korea is intrinsically linked to international peace and security, and we call on North Korea to engage fully and constructively with the international community, including during its upcoming Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council. We also look forward to the next iteration of the Canada-ROK North Korean Human Rights Dialogue.

    Canada and the ROK affirm our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, based on the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes. We continue to advocate for peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.  We oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the Indo-Pacific. We reaffirm that maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is indispensable to international security and prosperity.

    Canada and the ROK express their support for the global maritime order based on international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). We express concern about developments in the South China Sea, and emphasize the importance of maintaining peace, security, stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in and above the South China Sea , consistent with UNCLOS.

    Canada appreciates the ROK’s participation in the Conference on the Human Dimension of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula, hosted by Canada, Ukraine and Norway in Montreal on October 31st, demonstrating our joint resolve to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Canada and the ROK will continue to discuss ways to jointly support Ukraine’s Peace Formula, while providing the support Ukraine requires to secure a just and lasting peace.

    Indo-Pacific partners

    Canada and the ROK acknowledge the Indo-Pacific region’s pivotal role in shaping global geopolitical and economic relations in the 21st century, with long-term implications for our shared prosperity and security. Canada and the ROK share a common vision for the region to be more secure, free, peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable.

    In this context, we congratulate the organizers of the successful Canada-Korea Forum held on October 24-26, 2024 in Montreal, and the Korean Peninsula Symposium on October 23, 2024, co-organized with the Embassies of Japan, and the United States.

    To deepen and implement bilateral collaboration in the region, we announce today the launch of the Canada-Korea Indo-Pacific Dialogue, where our respective Special Envoys for the Indo-Pacific will engage on identifying synergies and joining action on shared regional priorities.

    We also look forward to the Indo-Pacific High-Level Forum, co-hosted by the ROK and Australia, in Seoul on December 13, as we recognize the importance of cooperation with the broader community of Indo-Pacific partners.

    In 2025, we look forward to Canada’s G7 Presidency and the ROK’s hosting of APEC. We further elaborated today how our two countries will establish synergies and use our leadership for cooperation on regional and global challenges. Canada looks forward to working with the ROK on advancing G7 priorities as relevant, including building economies that benefit everyone, fighting climate change, and managing rapidly evolving technologies. Furthermore, the ROK and Canada look forward to working together for a productive APEC in 2025.

    As actively engaged global partners, we will deepen our collective engagement with ASEAN, leveraging the ROK-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Canada-ASEAN Strategic Partnership, while reaffirming our commitment to the principle of ASEAN Centrality.

    Partners in security and defence   

    Canada and the ROK are committed to deepening partnerships in security and advancing shared defence priorities through bilateral and multilateral initiatives.   Canada and the ROK will strengthen bilateral and multilateral exercises, including holding regular Army Staff Talks, with the inaugural edition to be hosted in Canada.  

    We are committed to jointly delivering and collaborating on Women, Peace and Security, so that women have full, meaningful and equal participation in defence and security, peace operations and peace negotiations. As we seek to enhance women’s participation in conflict prevention, conflict resolution, and post-conflict state building, Canada and the ROK will leverage the ROK’s 2024-2025 UNSC seat to jointly advance the Women, Peace, and Security agenda globally as well as in the Indo-Pacific region.

    We will continue to cooperate on maritime safety, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, including through detecting dark vessels and joint patrols under Operation North Pacific Guard. We will also continue to explore ways of addressing maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific through enhanced maritime domain awareness and relevant instruments such as the Regional Cooperation Agreement Combatting Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP).

    We will further utilize the Canada-Korea Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Materiel Cooperation to share technical information, discuss defence equipment and technology issues of mutual interest, and identify opportunities for bilateral defence materiel cooperation, and hold the 3rd Joint Meeting (Materiel) in Canada in 2025.

    We agree to expand our work within the Canada-Korea Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Research and Development, to encourage collaboration between respective defence research and development organizations.

    Canada welcomes the contribution of the ROK as a NATO partner and commits to working with the ROK to advance its Individually Tailored Partnership Programme. Canada further welcomes the ROK’s recent participation at the NATO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Brussels. 

    Addressing non-traditional security challenges

    We recognize that climate change is the defining challenge of our time and a threat multiplier that impacts our collective security, including within the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic areas, and we affirm our strong support for NATO’s Climate Change and Security Agenda. 

    We acknowledge that our democratic values, institutions and processes, and our citizens’ fundamental freedoms, are increasingly vulnerable to hybrid and digital threats, such as foreign interference and disinformation, and we will continue to expand our cooperative efforts to combat these threats.

    We are committed to addressing threats and seizing opportunities linked to cybersecurity and emerging technologies, including threats to the rule of law, democracy, and critical infrastructure. We are pleased to announce today that we will hold Canada-Korea Cyber Policy Consultations to exchange information on each other’s policies, strategies and capabilities. Canada is also pleased to note the ROK’s fruitful engagement with the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallin, Estonia, of which Canada is also a member.

    We recognize the importance of the responsible use of artificial intelligence, including in the military domain. Canada commends the ROK for hosting several high-level international gatherings on AI to advance discussions on global AI governance, including the AI Seoul Summit in May 2024, and the Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military domain (REAIM) Summit in September 2024, in Seoul. We strongly support the Seoul Declaration for safe, innovative, and inclusive AI and the principles for the responsible development, deployment, and use of AI in the military domain articulated in the REAIM Blueprint for Action.

    The relationship between our two nations dates back centuries; reinforced by our countries’ collective efforts to defend peace and security on the Korean Peninsula since the Korean War. We commit to meeting in this format on a biennial basis and look forward to the next iteration of this Ministerial in 2026, where we will reflect on and examine how we may further build upon the achievements stemming from today’s discussion.

    Annex – announcements

    Today, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence of Canada and the Republic of Korea announced that our countries have agreed to:

    • Hold this Ministerial on a biennial basis and look forward to its next iteration in 2026 to follow-up on the achievements of today’s discussion.
    • Launch the Canada-Korea Indo-Pacific Dialogue, where our respective Special Envoys for the Indo-Pacific will engage on identifying synergies and joint action on shared regional priorities, including in the North Pacific.
    • Advance bilateral diplomatic intelligence cooperation and analytic exchanges between our respective foreign ministries.
    • Expedite the negotiations to finalize the Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military/Defence Information.
    • Explore measures to facilitate and deepen military operational cooperation.
    • Strengthen bilateral and multilateral exercises, including holding regular Army Staff Talks, with the inaugural edition to be hosted in Canada.
    • Hold the 3rd Joint Meeting (Materiel), hosted by Canada in 2025 under the Canada-Korea Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Materiel Cooperation, and continue to identify and expand opportunities for defence cooperation.
    • Hold Canada-Korea bilateral Cyber Policy Consultations.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Another Palestinian journalist killed in Gaza as Israel ‘suffocates the truth’

    “In his message for the day, the secretary-general underscores that a free press is fundamental to human rights, to democracy and to the rule of law,” Dujarric said.

    ‘Alarming rate of fatalities’
    “Recent years have seen an alarming rate of fatalities in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza, which has seen the highest number of killings of journalists and media workers in a war in decades.

    “In his message, he warned that journalists in Gaza have been killed at a level unseen by any conflict in modern times.

    “The ongoing ban preventing international journalists from Gaza suffocates the truth even further,” he said.

    Many Lebanese journalists have been shot and assassinated too, even well before Israel’s siege in Lebanon.

    Some are sharing their blood type just in case they need life-saving blood after being shot.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Marshall joins Varney & Co. on The Migrant Surge at The Border

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Kansas City, Kansas. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Fox Business’ Varney & Co. to discuss the migrant surge at the southern border leading up to a potential Trump presidency, and his new op-ed, Farmers and Ranchers Turn to Trump to Deliver, that contrasts President Trump’s Farmers First agenda with the past four years of the Biden-Harris anti-agriculture agenda.
    Highlights from the interview include:
    On Migrant Surge at The Border:
    “That’s why we’re seeing a massive increase of people headed to the border right now trying to beat President Trump. Look, we have two administrations here. President Trump secured the border, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris made the situation worse. This is why over 90% of Kansans don’t feel safe in their own homes right now, in their own communities. We’re losing a young Kansan every day to fentanyl poisoning across the country, 300 deaths to fentanyl poisoning every day.”
    On President Trump Delivering for Rural America: 
    “Well, they’re going to get more trade markets, they are going to get less regulations. What Joe Biden and Kamala Harris gave us is a record drop in net farm income, a record drop in net farm income with increased regulations. They buried us in their regulations. Biden then Harris’s fuel prices, fertilizer prices and interest rates have just killed American farmers.”
    “President Trump rolled back regulations, but he gave us these trade markets as well. He gave us USMCA. He gave us Japan and South Korea as well. And all of that has been increased trade for American farmers. I think dairy is a great example. You think of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin – dairy states. We’ve increased dairy exports from 6 billion to $9 billion thanks to President Trump’s trade agreements. And of course, the answer to how many trade agreements did Kamala Harris get done? And the answer is zero.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cook Islands PM calls for easing of tensions in New Caledonia

    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist

    Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has returned from New Caledonia saying it is not a simple “black and white situation”.

    Brown returned from a three-day Pacific fact-finding mission in the French Pacific territory alongside the Prime Ministers of Solomon Islands, Tonga and Fiji.

    New Caledonia has been going through a period of turmoil with violence and arson since May, resulting in 13 deaths and the destruction of many businesses.

    “There’s no doubt there is a call and a need for the easing of tensions in the country,” Brown said.

    “This would enable more dialogue to take place between the various vested groups to find a pathway forward for New Caledonia.”

    Brown said Kanaky New Caledonia’s population was diverse, made up of indigenous Kanak, French, and Pacific diaspora.

    Almost all of these groups want greater autonomy from France with some also wanting full independence or to remain a French territory, he said.

    “But you have quite a large group between those two extremes that want a way forward that enables New Caledonians, all of them, to be able to determine their own future.”

    Pacific policing France ‘may wish to consider’
     Brown said Australia’s newly proposed regional policing initiative is “an option that New Caledonians may wish to consider”.

    “At the moment that’s being done by the state government through France through its gendarmes and police force.”

    The last time regional policing was used was in Solomon Islands after ethnic unrest in the 2000s, he said.

    When asked whether France had “militarised” New Caledonia, Brown said France sent a lot of support “to help maintain law and order” but the focus now was on the reduction of tensions and dialogue.

    France’s Ambassador to the Pacific Véronique told the ABC she doubted French authorities would see the need for Pacific police to be deployed to New Caledonia.

    Brown said the other issue was the need for an urgent financial package.

    “Unlike most other Pacific countries in cases of disaster whether they be natural disaster or other sorts, Pacific countries have the likes of the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, development partners that would support and assist.

    Relying solely on France
    “In the case of New Caledonia, it doesn’t have the association with any of those financial institutions and would rely solely on France for its support.”

    There needed to first be a reduction of tensions so that any rebuild would not be under threat from more civil unrest, he said.

    Brown said Pacific nations had taken different decolonisation paths — with the exception of Tonga which had never been colonised.

    Fiji became a republic after a number of coups and Cook Islands is self-governing in free association with New Zealand.

    “Each of us took a different path to where we are today to gain our autonomy and our sovereignty and it’s something that we were able to share with New Caledonia.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-Laos railway increases cross-border passenger services to drive tourism

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

    VIENTIANE, Nov. 1 — The Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC) has increased the number of passenger train services between Xishuangbanna of China and Luang Prabang of Laos, starting on Oct. 29, with the aim of boosting tourism.

    The company now operated six days a week compared to the previous four days a week, according to the LCRC.

    The expanded schedule will enable more passengers to travel between the two popular destinations.

    The railway started cross-border passenger services on April 13, 2023. Since then, the railway has become the preferred mode of transport for a growing number of international travelers due to its affordability, convenience and comfort.

    On April 13 this year, Chinese and Lao railway authorities launched one more pair of trains for the railway’s international passenger services, running between Xishuangbanna and Luang Prabang, two popular tourist destinations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Call for Applications Digital Spark Challenge 2024

    Source: ASEAN

    Widely used social media platforms and rapidly evolving applications facilitate the fast and extensive dissemination of information. With social media and internet users spending a large amount of time online, young people can be vulnerable to fake news and become the targets and/or inadvertent disseminators of false information.
     
    Indonesia and Australia will co-host the Digital SPARK Challenge 2024 (hereinafter also referred to as the ‘Ideathon’) from 30 September to 3 October 2024 in Jakarta, Indonesia, in collaboration with The Asia Foundation and Love Frankie as the organising committee. The Ideathon will provide a platform for youth from ASEAN Member States (AMS), Timor-Leste and Australia to exchange views and pitch their ideas on innovative ways to address fake news and its impacts through social media campaigns.
     
    Through a 4-day immersive workshop, up to 24 teams of two (two teams from each participating country) will be invited as participants of the Ideathon to develop a deeper understanding on fake news identification and mitigation, as well as its impacts to society, and be equipped with communication and advocacy tools to address them. Participants will be guided through a collaborative and participatory learning process to develop ideas for powerful online campaigns to address this issue. Selected experts will serve as on-site mentors and judges. The winning team will be further supported to implement their campaign idea.
     
    Eligibility

    Below criteria and qualifications are applicable for every member of each team:
     
    Each team must consist of two (2) persons only.
    Must be between 18-25 years old at the time of application.
    Members of each team must be citizens of the same participating country (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, Timor-Leste, and Australia).
    Must not be government officials or affiliated with government.
    Must have the ability to travel (in-country and cross country) and own legitimate travel documents, such as a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of arrival in Indonesia.
    Must be available to fully attend a 4-day program in-person in Jakarta, Indonesia from 30 September to 3 October 2024 (plus travel days).
    Both members of the winning team must be committed to collaborate with the organising committee in developing the campaign idea for implementation.
    Must be able to work and communicate in English.
    Have basic knowledge and experience in using social media platforms for creating online contents for public communication and accessing digital public data.
    Possess the ability to access the Internet and have relevant computer proficiency.
    Be highly motivated to engage collaboratively with representatives from diverse communities in order to strengthen understanding and enhance personal growth in alignment with the program’s goal.
    Demonstrate leadership skills, motivation, time management, accountability, and strong commitment to promoting social impact.
    Themes

    The Digital SPARK Challenge 2024 will focus on two main themes:
     
    Fake news, such as misinformation, disinformation, malinformation.
    Content manipulation, such as AI-generated contents, deepfakes.
    Other important issues such as hate speech, online bullying, privacy violation and online scams can also be covered as they relate to the above themes.

    Award

    All participants will have the opportunity to engage and learn from relevant experts during the Ideathon and will receive certificates of completion.
    In addition, the first-place winner will be awarded:
     
    Grant funding and ongoing mentorship support for campaign implementation.
    Campaign amplification and integration through ASEAN official communication channels.
    Registration
     
    Teams of two (2) participants each are required to register together. To apply, please fill in the form by 8 September 2024. You will be asked to provide your general information as well as provide short responses detailing your initial campaign idea in accordance with your selected theme. Applications will be assessed based on your response to the selection questions. The selected teams will be contacted by the organising committee.
     
    Selected teams will be supported with travel to/from Jakarta and accommodation during the program.
     
    For any questions, please contact Pattamon Wattanawanitchakorn (tae@lovefrankie.co) and taf.thailand.meeting@asiafoundation.org.

    The post Call for Applications Digital Spark Challenge 2024 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Test-fire of latest ICBM ‘legitimate exercise of sovereign right to self-defence’: DPRK Foreign Ministry

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Foreign Ministry of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) said the test-fire of the country’s latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was “a legitimate and just exercise of its sovereign right to self-defence” and part of the counteraction in response to the provocative moves by hostile forces, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Saturday.

    In a statement issued on Friday, as reported by the KCNA, a DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesman accused the United States and its followers of intending to convene a meeting of the UN Security Council with an aim to “seriously encroach upon the DPRK’s right to self-defence,” in addition to staging joint air drills of aggressive nature on the Korean peninsula and in its vicinity while viciously slandering the reasonable exercise of sovereignty by the DPRK.

    The Foreign Ministry expresses serious concern over the hostile forces’ confrontational behavior to create a critical situation against the DPRK security environment, and strongly denounces and rejects this act as “a wanton violation of the UN Charter and other recognized international laws” and “a grave challenge to international peace and security,” the statement said.

    “It is the steadfast strategic option and will of the DPRK to thoroughly deter the danger of outbreak of a nuclear war and powerfully control and manage the political and military situation in the region by countering the ever-dangerous military threat of the U.S. and its vassal forces with the overwhelmed and absolute power,” said the statement.

    The DPRK on Thursday conducted a “crucial” test of its latest ICBM Hwasongpho-19. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO San Francisco celebrates long-term collaborations with film festivals in Hawai’i, New Mexico and California (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKETO San Francisco celebrates long-term collaborations with film festivals in Hawai’i, New Mexico and California (with photos)
    HKETO San Francisco celebrates long-term collaborations with film festivals in Hawai’i, New Mexico and California (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         Through October, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) celebrated another year of successful collaborations with the Hawai’i International Film Festival (HIFF) in Hawai’i, the Santa Fe International Film Festival (SFiFF) in New Mexico and the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival (LAAPFF) in California to foster cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and these locations in the United States.           In Honolulu, Hawai’i, SFETO and its long-time collaborator HIFF once again curated the Spotlight on Hong Kong programme, which featured six Hong Kong productions that included new releases and a restored classic: “Love Lies”, “The Last Dance”, “Stuntman”, “All Shall Be Well”, “Fly Me to The Moon” and “Shanghai Blues”. The festival was held from October 3 to 13 (Honolulu time).           Speaking at the VIP reception hosted by HKETO San Francisco on October 11 (Honolulu time), the Director of HKETO San Francisco, Ms Jacko Tsang, said the return of “Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema”, presented by the Hong Kong International Film Society, made the Hong Kong programme at the 44th edition of the festival even more remarkable this year. She pointed out that the First Feature Film Initiative supported by the Hong Kong Film Development Council had funded 24 films with over $120 million since 2013, and that SFETO was excited to showcase these excellent works by new talent in the Hong Kong film industry.                At the Awards Gala of the HIFF on October 12 (Honolulu time), iconic Hong Kong actress and filmmaker Sandra Ng was honoured with the HIFF Spotlight On Hong Kong Filmmaker in Profile. She attended the festival with renowned filmmaker Peter Chan and received the award from celebrity comedian Ronny Chieng. Alongside Ng, Hong Kong actresses Patra Au and Michelle Wai, as well as directors Sasha Chuk, Anselm Chan, Albert Leung and Hebert Leung also participated in the festival. They attended live post-screening Q&A sessions at the primary screening of their respective films. The audience greatly appreciated their presence with enthusiastic interactions.           In Santa Fe, New Mexico, HKETO San Francisco collaborated with SFiFF for the second consecutive year. “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” and “All Shall Be Well”, two talk-of-the-town feature films from Hong Kong, were showcased at the festival held from October 16 to 20 (Santa Fe time).           Hosting the filmmakers’ brunch on October 19 (Santa Fe time), Ms Tsang introduced some of the latest measures implemented by the Hong Kong Government to inject new power into Hong Kong cinema, including the Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme, which aims to subsidise film projects coproduced by filmmakers from European and Asian countries to produce films featuring Hong Kong, European and Asian cultures. She encouraged filmmakers to explore opportunities in Hong Kong and be a part of the revival journey of Hong Kong cinema.           In Los Angeles, California, the third annual “LAAPFF Presents: Hong Kong Generations of Cinema” took place on October 26 and 27 (Los Angeles time) featuring six Hong Kong titles from different decades around the theme of Cantopop: “Rouge”, “Days of Being Wild”, “Happy Together”, “July Rhapsody”, “Anita” and “The Lyricist Wannabe”. Each film highlights the connection between music and storytelling in Hong Kong’s film history.           Delivering her remarks after a special reception on October 26 (Los Angeles time), Ms Tsang said that the office was honoured to work with Visual Communications, the organisation behind the LAAPFF, to bring the programme to Los Angeles three years in a row. She expressed delight that the programme had expanded from a one-day showcase to a two-day celebration of Hong Kong cinema following the success of the first two years.           The above Hong Kong film programmes were made possible with the support from the Film Development Fund, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

     
    Ends/Saturday, November 2, 2024Issued at HKT 10:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: KS25 | The 623rd ACS can’t be pinned down

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan  –  

     The 623 Air Control Squadron worked with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) to provide battle management in support of Exercise Keen Sword 25 (KS25) Oct 18 – Nov 1, 2024.

    After travelling over 1,500 miles from their home station at Kadena Air Base, Japan, the 623rd ACS integrated with their U.S Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps and JASDF counterparts to successfully provide command and control capabilities to aircraft participating in KS25.

    “Maintaining a good relationship with joint service and the Japanese Self-Defense Force allows us to understand and use their systems,” said Capt. Zackary Schreiber, 623rd ACS detachment commander. “So, if we have to step for an exercise or a real world emergency, we know how each other functions and how to keep information flowing.”

    While at Misawa, the 623rd ACS operated out of two separate locations. One team assembled a shelter tent where they utilized the mobile Tactical Operations Center – Light kit while working side-by-side with the Marine Corps and their Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar system. The second team worked out of the direction center with the 610th ACS assigned to Misawa Air Base and the JASDF.

    Keen Sword demonstrates and advances U.S.-Japan interoperability and reinforces solidarity of the U.S.-Japan alliance by exercising the most modern equipment and procedures under realistic conditions.

    The direction center team worked with the JASDF and the 610th to control missions and provide information to aircraft flying in support of KS25. The teams debriefed extensively after every mission to continue optimizing their individual and combined capabilities.

    “Seeing the way that the JASDF out here uses their systems has opened a lot of doors for us to take back and improve our processes at Kadena,” said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Wolfe, 623rd ACS flight chief of weapons and tactics. “Also, we shared our standards and advancements with the other ACS units.”

    One thing that Wolfe said he specifically appreciated were the JASDF radio assignment and management processes because they were digitized which increased the ease of information flow.

    “It’s been a great experience working with the JASDF at Misawa,” said Schreiber. “They are just as experienced and professional as the service members I am used to working with.”

    The 623rd ACS, alongside joint force and allied partners, encountered realistic and relevant training opportunities that increased their ability to plan, communicate, and conduct multi-domain operations.

    “It feels like we’re actually deployed to the field,” said Tech. Sgt. Sherraye Carter, 623rd ACS noncommissioned officer in charge of command and control integrations. “It’s really important to fully experience that, not only for the Airmen personally, but for the equipment as well.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Keen Sword 25: U.S. Air Force, Japanese Forces Unite for First Integrated Rapid Airfield Damage Repair Training

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    AOMORI, Japan  –  

    U.S. and Japanese forces launched their first fully integrated Rapid Airfield Damage Repair (RADR) training on Oct. 30, 2024, as part of exercise Keen Sword 25, a biennial event focused on joint readiness and operational resilience in the Indo-Pacific.

    This year’s Keen Sword exercise unites all branches of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF)—Ground, Maritime, and Air—in joint operations with U.S. forces. The training centers on strengthening interoperability and enhancing mission resilience in contingency scenarios, a critical aspect of maintaining security in the region.

    “This is the first time we’ve trained with all components of the Japanese military,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Alexander Manco, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) prime base engineer emergency force manager.

    In the past, the 35th CES and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force have conducted RADR training, but in this iteration, this is the first time the 35th CES has had the opportunity to work alongside all the branches of the JSDF.

    “Through RADR exercises, we’re able to practice real-world airfield recovery scenarios with our Japanese allies, which strengthens our ability to maintain airfield functionality under challenging conditions,” Manco added.

    RADR is a multi-staged process that quickly and effectively repairs airfields, allowing for flightline operations to continue in combat or natural disaster situations. This comprehensive training covers various aspects, including damage assessment, debris removal, and the application of expedient repair methods for runways and other critical infrastructure.

    The training also involves hands-on experience with heavy equipment and specialized materials, such as concrete or fiberglass covers, with an emphasis on safety protocols and efficient repair strategies in order to maintain operational readiness even under challenging conditions.

    The RADR training within Keen Sword 25 builds vital infrastructure repair skills ensuring both U.S. and Japanese forces are prepared to restore airfield capabilities quickly if needed.

    “This exercise not only reinforces the U.S.-Japan security alliance but also provides an invaluable opportunity for our members to work closely with Japanese counterparts,” Manco explained.

    The U.S.-Japan alliance is founded on shared interests, values, and a commitment to freedom and human rights. Both nations remain focused on maintaining regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, including building new partnerships and enhancing multilateral cooperation.

    “Our participation in Keen Sword 25 allows us to refine critical skills in rapid airfield recovery and reinforces our readiness to respond alongside our Japanese counterparts,” said, Lt Col. Daniel Blomberg, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. “This exercise not only strengthens our interoperability but ensures we’re prepared to restore and maintain operational capabilities under any conditions, contributing to a stronger regional defense posture.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S., Japan successfully conclude joint bilateral exercise Keen Sword 25

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    JAPAN  –  

    Forces from the U.S., Japan, Australia and Canada concluded exercise Keen Sword 25 on Nov. 1 after ten days of integrated training across Japan.

    Keen Sword 25 was a joint bilateral exercise Japan designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. This year’s Keen Sword was the largest iteration of this exercise since its inception in 1986. The overall event included participants from the Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF), Australian Defence Force (ADF), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and U.S. service members from across the joint force. The exercise began Oct. 23 following a bilateral press conference on Oct. 22.

    Throughout the exercise, U.S. forces worked alongside JSDF and partner nation forces to hone skills and maintain warfighting readiness. Bilateral and multilateral events undertaken as part of Keen Sword 25 included joint live fire training, medical mass casualty exercises, installation security forces training and simulated airfield damage repair, among others.

    Participants took advantage of the unique training environment to enhance tactics, techniques, and procedures across a wide range of military operations in support of furthering interoperability between U.S., JSDF and participating allied forces, strengthening deterrence, and regional stability. The training occurred throughout mainland Japan and its surrounding territorial waters.

    Keen Sword continues to be an opportunity to demonstrate the ironclad nature of the U.S. – Japan alliance, which is built on shared interests and values and a commitment to freedom and human rights. Both countries are focused on ensuring regional peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, including building new partnerships and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

    Participants in Keen Sword 25 include U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ), U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F), III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), U.S. Army Japan (USARJ), U.S. Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) 5th Air Force (5 AF) along with forces originating from units across the Department of Defense.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 to commence on Monday

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, an annual flagship event of the legal sector and the Department of Justice (DoJ), is one of the most anticipated legal and dispute resolution events in the region and beyond. Themed “Hong Kong Common Law System: World-Class Springboard to China and Beyond”, the five-day event will start Monday (November 4) and run until November 8. The Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 will provide an opportunity for participants to engage in a series of professional and insightful discussions and exchanges with prominent experts, practitioners, government officials and academics on a wide spectrum of topics from international law, developments in alternative dispute resolution, opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, to the rule of law in the region and beyond.

         Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 will open on Monday with the Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit, co-organised by the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law and the DoJ. The Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, one of the policy initiatives set out in the 2023 Policy Address, will also be officially launched on the last day of this year’s Hong Kong Legal Week.

         In addition to the insightful events, there will be an exhibition at the venue highlighting the achievements in the construction of the rule of law by the country in the modern era, and the role played by Hong Kong in contributing to the developments.

         A series of international and important events to be featured at the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 are as below:

    November 4
    * Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit 2024

    November 5
    * The Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development

    November 6
    * Beyond Litigation: The Vibrant Landscape of Alternative Dispute Resolution of Hong Kong
    * 2024 Hong Kong Mediation Lecture

    November 7
    * Joint Contribution to the Construction of Rule of Law in the GBA

    November 8
    * Rule of Law: The Best Business Environment

         For more details on Hong Kong Legal Week 2024, please visit the dedicated website at www.legalweek.hk. Live broadcasts will be available on the dedicated website and at webcast.info.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  
    President Lai meets delegation from Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee  
    2024-11-01

    On the afternoon of November 1, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu (Parliament of Estonia). In remarks, President Lai thanked Estonia for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s international participation and said that Taiwan has the responsibility, the ability, and the willingness to contribute even more to the international community in every domain. The president expressed his hope that we can work together to continue deepening the partnership between Taiwan and Estonia, and that by strengthening cooperation with European Union member states across many areas, we can jointly respond to the challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism, thereby safeguarding global peace, stability, and prosperity. 
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I extend a warm welcome to our good friends from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Riigikogu. This is Chairman Marko Mihkelson’s second visit to Taiwan. He visited last August with a delegation of parliamentary foreign affairs committee chairs from the Baltic states. Members of the Riigikogu Ester Karuse and Luisa Rõivas are also visiting again, having been part of a delegation led by Estonia-Taiwan Support Group Chairman Kristo Enn Vaga in March.
    Your presence here demonstrates that Taiwan-Estonia relations are growing closer. I believe that with your support and assistance, our alliance, based on the shared values of freedom and democracy, and our economic and trade partnership are sure to grow even stronger. For this, I express my sincere gratitude.
    The international landscape and geopolitical environment are changing rapidly. Expanding authoritarianism is challenging the universal values of freedom and democracy as well as the rules-based international order. At this critical juncture, it is even more imperative that like-minded nations unite and work together to safeguard global peace, stability, and prosperity.
    In addition to strengthening cooperation with other nations to defend the values of freedom and democracy, Taiwan has actively sought inclusion in such international organizations and mechanisms as the World Health Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. More than just a matter of the fundamental human rights of the 23 million people of Taiwan, it demonstrates that Taiwan has the responsibility, the ability, and the willingness to contribute even more to the international community in every domain.
    I want to take this opportunity to thank Estonia for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s international participation. In particular, Health Minister Riina Sikkut once again spoke out for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement at this year’s World Health Assembly. We sincerely appreciate Estonia for holding Taiwan in such high regard and for taking this stand. I would also like to congratulate former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on her appointment as High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This attests to the crucial role that Estonia plays in uniting the strengths of the EU and like-minded nations around the world.
    Looking ahead, we hope that, with your assistance, we will continue to deepen the partnership between Taiwan and Estonia. And by strengthening cooperation with EU member states in such areas as the economy, trade, and security, we can jointly respond to the challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism. In closing, I wish you a smooth and productive visit.
    Chairman Mihkelson then delivered remarks, saying that he is honored to lead the first-ever delegation from the Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee to Taiwan. Mentioning that yesterday they had witnessed Typhoon Kong-rey, he said that not even typhoons can break the very good relations between Estonia and Taiwan. 
    Chairman Mihkelson expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with President Lai today and discuss very important topics, such as how to improve relations between our nations. Noting that we are living in a very turbulent world, he said that Taiwan and Estonia are like-minded nations whose relations have changed dramatically in a very positive direction from several years ago to today. The chairman observed that we have had numerous reciprocal visits and expressed his hope that one day we can mutually establish representative offices between Taiwan and Estonia.
    Chairman Mihkelson emphasized that Taiwan and Estonia are strong democracies, and that we see today both in East Asia and also in Europe that democracies are under attack. In Estonia and Europe, he said, they are worried about Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. He said that the aim of both Russia and its supporters is not only Ukraine, but also to change the world order. And the recent news that North Korean troops are to participate in the aggression against Ukraine, he added, makes this conflict global.
    Chairman Mihkelson stated that the reason they are here, besides strengthening our bilateral relations, is to find ways democracies can together support Ukraine, because the outcome of this war is similarly important for their own security as well as for Taiwan’s security. He said that Estonia lost its freedom for 50 years and that ever since it regained independence in 1991, there has been a very strong political consensus, but also support within society, that Estonia should never be alone again when it comes to its security and international relations. This is why, he explained, they are seeking very good partnerships with like-minded countries like Taiwan.  
    In closing, Chairman Mihkelson emphasized that we should do whatever it takes in our cooperation as democracies to never be challenged by autocracies. He then once again expressed his thanks for hosting them here today.
    The delegation also included Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Henn Põlluaas and Deputy Chair of the Anti-Corruption Select Committee Eerik-Niiles Kross.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Macao has full backing of central authorities: Spokesperson

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A file photo taken on July 1, 2021 shows the scene at the iconic Golden Lotus Square of Macao where a flag-raising ceremony is held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. [Photo/Xinhua]
    President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Sam Hou Fai, the incoming chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), fully demonstrates the central authorities’ wholehearted support for Macao’s development, a spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China’s State Council said on Friday.
    The Friday meeting also reflects the central authorities’ earnest expectation for Macao to continuously advance the successful practice of “one country, two systems,” said the spokesperson.
    The sound environment of Macao today is a vivid testament to the great vitality and strength of the “one country, two systems” principle, the spokesperson said.
    During the meeting, President Xi reiterated that the central authorities will stay committed to fully and faithfully implementing the “one country, two systems” principle under which the people of Macao administer Macao with a high degree of autonomy, noted the spokesperson, adding that this constitutes the greatest source of confidence for securing steady and continued success of “one country, two systems” in Macao.
    The spokesperson also expressed the belief that the new chief executive and government of the Macao SAR will unite all sectors of the Macao society and continuously break new ground in the practice of “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: HKSAR gov’t welcomes first batch of brokers eligible for cross-boundary wealth management connect

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Photo taken on July 31, 2021 shows the statues on the square of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) in south China’s Hong Kong. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Friday welcomed the announcements of the first batch of brokers eligible to participate in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Pilot Scheme.

    Fourteen licensed corporations in Hong Kong are qualified to offer cross-boundary investment services for investors from the GBA, according to the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. They will work in partnership with brokers of the Chinese mainland confirmed by the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

    A spokesperson for the HKSAR government said that the Wealth Management Connect has been growing steadily since its launch in September 2021, and measures commencing on Feb. 26 this year to enhance the scheme have received enthusiastic market response.

    The first batch of brokers joining the scheme can help better satisfy GBA residents’ demand for asset allocation and create more development opportunities for the industry, the spokesperson said.

    This will strengthen Hong Kong’s status as an international asset management center, the spokesperson added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China to give visa-free treatment to another 9 countries

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Travelers pass through customs at Beijing Daxing International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 18, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Beijing decided to give visa-free treatment to another nine countries to further encourage cross-border travel, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday.

    China will extend the visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein and the Republic of Korea on a trial basis, Lin said.

    According to Lin, from November 8, 2024, to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from these nine countries will be exempt from visas to enter China and can stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Finnish trade minister to attend China CIIE in Shanghai

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo shows a view of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), in east China’s Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Finland’s government announced on Friday that Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio will attend the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

    “China is an important trading partner for Finland, so it is useful to support export promotion and trade in sectors that benefit Finnish businesses. This is the fourth time that Finland has a national pavilion at the CIIE,” Tavio stated in a press release.

    The release also noted that Shanghai hosts the largest cluster of Finnish businesses in China.

    According to the release, Tavio will lead a Finnish trade delegation in China from Nov. 4 to 8. Following engagements in Shanghai, he and the delegation will travel to Shenzhen in southern China, with the visit ending in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

    The seventh China International Import Expo is scheduled in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese-invested expressway in Cambodia marks 2nd anniversary of operation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Aerial photo taken on June 24, 2022 shows the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway project in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Chinese-invested Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, Cambodia’s first high-speed toll road, celebrated the second anniversary of its operation on Friday.

    Cambodian Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin took part in the event, held here at the headquarters of the Cambodian PPSHV Expressway Co., Ltd., the operator of the 187-km expressway.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Ponea said the expressway has become a key strategic route, linking the first economic powerhouse of Phnom Penh with the second economic powerhouse of the coastal province of Sihanoukville.

    “This expressway has been providing great benefits to Cambodia’s socio-economic development and tourism,” he said. “It has played a crucial role in improving the efficiency of travel and goods transport.”

    The minister said the motorway was one of major achievements in Cambodia under the framework of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, in addition to the Sihanoukville Special Economy Zone, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and the Morodok Techo National Stadium.

    “These achievements are a solid testament to our joint efforts in building a Cambodia-China community with a shared future,” he said.

    Wang said the expressway was a landmark project of China-Cambodia cooperation under the BRI.

    “It is a vivid example of China-Cambodia joint efforts in building a high-quality, high-level and high-standard community with a shared future in a new era,” he said.

    The ambassador said the expressway has significantly contributed to creating job opportunities, promoting regional development and improving the well-being of local people.

    At the event, the company offered a one-year free travel to Chhum Sophearun, a 42-year-old taxi driver, who was the 10 millionth user of the expressway.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Board appointments to foundations for relations with China and Japan

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    I am pleased to announce appointments to the boards of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations and the Australia-Japan Foundation board.

    The Honourable Mark McGowan AC has been appointed to the Advisory Board of the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

    Mr McGowan brings a wealth of relevant experience having served as Premier of Western Australia. Prior to his election to the Parliament of Western Australia, Mr McGowan served as a legal officer in the Royal Australian Navy.

    The Advisory Board guides the Foundation in its efforts to promote and coordinate enhanced cooperation between Australia and China, in support of Australia’s national interests.

    The Foundation is focused on strengthening risk-informed engagement with China and reinforcing social cohesion by partnering with Chinese-Australian communities and showcasing their contributions.

    I am also pleased to announce a new appointment and two reappointments to the Australian-Japan Foundation board.

    Professor Shiro Armstrong, Director of the Australia-Japan Research Centre and Professor of the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University, will join the Australia-Japan Foundation Board in February 2025.

    Professor Caroline McMillen AO FAHMS and Ms Yuki Nakamura have been reappointed for a second three-year term from October 2024. Professor McMillen is the former Chief Scientist for South Australia and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Newcastle, with an extensive academic and scientific background. Ms Nakamura is the Executive Director of Nakamura Chocolates. She focuses on business in Japan and female entrepreneurship.

    I would like to thank Mr Adam Liaw, for his exceptional contribution to the Australia-Japan Foundation over the past six years, including as acting Chair in 2024. Mr Liaw will finish his second term on 1 February 2025.

    The Australian-Japan Foundation is Australia’s oldest cultural council and underpins our Special Strategic Partnership with Japan. It advances Australia’s foreign and trade policy interests with Japan by supporting partnerships in economic security, the arts, education, science, technology and sport.

    To find out more, see Australia-Japan Foundation and National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by SLW on talent attraction

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the remarks by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, on talent attraction at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (November 2):

    Reporter: Mr Sun, on the Top Talent Pass Scheme, any estimates on those intending to stay when their initial period expire? Also, any concerns regarding people providing false documents? Regarding Ronnie O’Sullivan, can you give more details in terms of whether Hong Kong reach out to him? Are there any further plans to entice other high profile influential people to Hong Kong?

    Secretary for Labour and Welfare: I will start with the last question. I think the fact that O’Sullivan has decided to come to Hong Kong and become a part of us speaks volumes about the attraction of Hong Kong. Clearly he has spoken a lot about the good things of being in Hong Kong. With this success and with the launching of a new stream under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme where we are going to invite top talents from all over the world direct, we are going to do a lot more. We hope to achieve more success, because we truly believe in the attraction of Hong Kong. Be it our tax system, our natural beauty, the convenience, the great food and all the great things here in Hong Kong, is a huge attraction to top talents all over the world. 

         As for the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), as I have said on different occasions, right now we have built in a very robust system to make sure all the qualifications submitted to us are true and can be verified. For submissions from Mainland China, there is a mandatory requirement for them to verify it through a third-party system, or they have to verify direct with the institutions granting them the qualifications. We can rest assured that for all applications approved under the TTPS based on academic qualifications, all these qualifications are authentic and can be verified.

         We are not going to predict or estimate how many TTPS visa holders are going to have their visas extended. Our principle is that we have made it very clear the criteria for a successful visa extension. We are not going to provide additional help. For those who are able to make it, of course they can stay in Hong Kong and continue their career. For those who failed to make it, we are not going to grant them visa extensions. Rather, after several months when we have a better grasp about the extension situation, we are going to make it public. By then, we would know how many, or in terms of percentage, of the TTPS visa holders got their visas extended successfully. Thank you very much. 

    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese carmaker BYD launches premium brand DENZA in Thailand

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Workers operate at an assembly line of BYD’s new plant in Rayong province, Thailand on July 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese carmaker BYD officially launched its premium brand DENZA in Thailand on Friday in a move to expand its presence in the Southeast Asian country’s upscale automotive market.

    Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary general of the Thailand Board of Investment, emphasized in his opening speech the importance of the entry of the DENZA brand into the Thai market, which marks a milestone in the development of Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) industry.

    Narit noted that the debut of the DENZA brand not only reflects the confidence of international brands in the Thai market, but will also inject new impetus into Thailand’s economic development. Thailand will continue to support the development of the EV industry and provide a good investment environment for enterprises.

    Thailand has long been a regional automotive manufacturing and export hub. With the government’s investment promotion efforts, the nation aims to convert 30 percent of its annual auto production into EVs by 2030.

    Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD Asia Pacific auto sales division, said BYD has currently sold 56,000 EVs in the Thai market, adding that the introduction of the DENZA brand is another important strategic plan for BYD after it opened its Thailand factory this year.

    As an automotive industry center in Southeast Asia, Thailand has a mature luxury car market. Liu believed that the DENZA brand which combines luxury and sustainable technology will be recognized by Thai consumers.

    As a world-leading automobile manufacturer and a pioneer in China’s EV industry, BYD has vigorously expanded overseas markets in recent years.

    BYD’s EVs are currently sold in 88 countries and regions around the world. In addition to Thailand, BYD also has production bases in Brazil, Hungary, Uzbekistan and other countries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AFCD holds Opening Ceremony of Robin’s Nest Country Park and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (November 2) held the Opening Ceremony of Robin’s Nest Country Park (RNCP) and Launching Ceremony of Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge, which is also one of the activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
     
         RNCP, located in Sha Tau Kok, Northeastern New Territories, was established in March this year as the 25th country park in Hong Kong, forming an ecological corridor with Shenzhen Wutong Mountain. The AFCD has launched a series of publicity and education activities themed “Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park – The Interconnected Ecology and Landscape”, in which Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge activity was kick-started today. Through promotional videos and the activity, the public is encouraged to explore the rich green tourism resources of Robin’s Nest, which symbolises the ecological integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, from multiple perspectives.
     
         Officiating at the opening ceremony include the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, Mr Lau Kwok-fan; the Director of the Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office, Mr Vic Yau; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; the Deputy Secretary-General of Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, Mr Chan Yaodong; the Second-level Inspector of the Urban Administration and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Yang Liqun, and the Deputy Director of the Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Gao Erjian, etc.
     
         In his opening speech, Mr Tse said that RNCP, which is connected to the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area, has beautiful sceneries, rich biodiversity and human history. Its establishment is beneficial for ecological conservation and history revitalisation, marking a significant milestone in the ecological integration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The country has always emphasised on building a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong. In this regard, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has undertaken various initiatives to enhance the beauty of Hong Kong, including establishment of the North Lantau Marine Park, development of the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park and updating of Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The HKSAR Government will continue to collaborate with all sectors of society to advance ecological civilisation and co-create a greener and more sustainable future.
     
         Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan stated that the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain and Hong Kong RNCP are interconnected by mountain ranges, streams, waterways and cultures are close to each other. RNCP embodies the shared aspiration of Hong Kong and Shenzhen for a beautiful ecological environment, making it highly significant. It is hoped that both sides, being geographically interdependent, will continue to strengthen co-operation in areas such as resilience to climate change, development of Northern Metropolis in Hong Kong, technological innovations in ecology and environment, alignment of ecological and environmental planning and standard, development of the beautiful Loop as well as improvement of urban ecological spaces.
     
         Following the opening ceremony, about 40 nature enthusiasts with extensive hiking experience from Shenzhen and Hong Kong embarked on the first hike of Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge to enhance the exchanges and foster friendship between the two places.
     
         In addition, the public and tourists can participant in the Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge activity from today until February 28 next year. Participants need to register on the Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park Hiking Challenge website (www.discoveringrncp.hk) and visit the eight designated checkpoints along the two hiking trails in RNCP, the Robin’s Nest Country Trail and Lin Ma Hang Country Trail, scanning QR codes with their smartphones at checkpoints to record their completion. Participants who have completed a designated number of checkpoints during the event will receive themed prizes of RNCP.
     
         The AFCD reminds the public to take into account their physical strength, hiking experience and weather situation in planning a hike. The public are also encouraged to hike in groups and help conserve the countryside by practising proper hiking etiquette, for example by bringing along reusable water bottles and towels, and “Take Your Litter Home”.
     
         Moreover, the AFCD has produced a series of promotional videos titled “Discovering Robin’s Nest Country Park” focusing on the natural scenery, biodiversity, and cultural history of Robin’s Nest. The public is welcome to enjoy the videos, which will be gradually uploaded to Hong Kong Country Parks YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@HongKongCountryParks).                  

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong optimizes admissions schemes for global talent

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    An aerial photo taken on May 29, 2022 shows a view of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in south China’s Hong Kong. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Friday allowed graduates of 13 more universities to apply for its Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), among other measures to sweeten its invitation to talents worldwide.
    The addition included nine universities from the Chinese mainland, as well as four overseas specialized institutions on the QS World University Rankings in the discipline of “Art and Design”. The number of universities eligible under the TTPS came to 198.
    The HKSAR government also extended the validity period of the first visas of Category A applications under the TTPS from two years to three years to help applicants plan for moving their families to Hong Kong.
    Category A applicants are those with an annual income reaching 2.5 million Hong Kong dollars (321,471 U.S. dollars) or above in the year immediately preceding the date of application.
    For the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, the HKSAR government scrapped the annual quota and streamlined the application and selection process.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Muse Fest HK 2024 celebrates 10th anniversary with over 70 exciting programs (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will launch the Muse Fest HK 2024 in November, rolling out over 70 fabulous programmes in LCSD museums and art spaces. With the same theme “Hong Kong H.A.S. (History. Art. Science.) Museums”, the 10th edition of the Museum Festival enables members of the public to immerse themselves in Hong Kong’s rich and distinctive cultural heritage and artistic diversity, offering an alternative museum experience. Most activities are free, and members of the public are welcome to join on the spot.
          
         The inaugural event of the Muse Fest 2024, “Fun@Museum Carnival”, is being held today and tomorrow (November 2 and 3) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) Piazza, Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA), Hong Kong Space Museum (HKSpM) and Salisbury Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui. The carnival features a variety of programmes. There are performances of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) items such as “Vital Lion Dance” opening performance and “Puppetry Encounters” performance today. The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Muse Fest HK 2024 and eye-dotting for lion dances this morning. Addressing the ceremony, Mr Liu said this year marks the 10th Edition of Muse Fest. The opening carnival this year focuses in “Chinese Cutlure”, promoting the development and inheritance of Chinese culture and history through diversified performances and interactive workshops. With the theme of “Hong Kong H.A.S. (History. Art. Science.) Museums” this year, Muse Fest will continue to broaden citizens’ scope of knowledge in these areas.
          
         The booths of flower button, lion dance and lion head crafts by the ICH Office are well received, with visitors busy taking photos with the lion head. Some also made lion head crafts to experience this ICH item which combines martial arts and performing arts. In the afternoon, the carnival invited a seasoned puppet group to perform classic plays such as “Daming Prefecture”, “Zhong Kui Getting Drunk” and “Sun Wukong Thrice Beat the Bony Demon”, winning great applause from audiences.
          
         In addition to the popular ICH-related programmes, the booths of the Conservation Office have also attracted many passers-by. They have been engaged in learning the use of wax materials in artefacts protection, or making their own light clay cake model magnets with a wooden cake mould. The Gear Up – Nano World Outreach Programme booth, presented by the Science Promotion Unit of the Hong Kong Science Museum, has been surrounded by children viewing the comic-style panels and interactive exhibits introducing nano science. Apart from the booth activities, the carnival has invited Community Cultural Ambassadors 2024 the Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble and Chinese and Western music ensembles of the Music Office to deliver live performances at the HKCC Piazza to boost the atmosphere. The Hong Kong Public Libraries promotes theme-based reading through the Library-on-Wheels outreach truck and storytelling sessions by Story Ambassadors, while the Interactive Storytelling Device – Joyful Reading of Three Kingdoms – allows participants to acquire knowledge through playing games. Meanwhile, the HKSpM has organised a treasure hunt named Cosmic Voyage, inviting visitors to follow the hints on the treasure map and find out the answers at the Exhibition Hall to learn about the universe and space science in various aspects.
          
         The carnival will continue tomorrow with more extraordinary events. The Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Association and Pokfulam Kaifong Welfare Association will bring the fire dragon dance performance to Tsim Sha Tsui tomorrow from 4pm to 6pm. Locals residents and tourists can join the parade and learn about the traditions and historical significance of the fire dragon dance. Visitors can touch and take a closer look at the unicorn head and create postcards at the unicorn booth. In addition to the above mentioned lion head crafts booth, a waxing in conservation activity, “Gear Up – Nano World” outreach programme -Nanoboy Ornament Workshop, Library-on-Wheels with Storytelling Sessions and the Interactive Storytelling Device. Those interested in movies should not miss the animated film screening of “Chang An” to be held at the Lecture Hall of the HKMoA, which is organised by the Film Programmes Office.
          
         Various museums will host fun days during weekends in November. The Sheung Yiu Folk Museum Fun Day will be held on November 9, featuring a photo-taking corner, video screenings and workshops to enhance visitors’ understanding of Hakka culture and customs. The “Spark Joy @Oi!” Fun Day 2024 at Oil Street Art Space on November 10 will feature handpan music performances, workshops and guided tours by artists. The Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence (MWRCD) and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum will offer a variety of activities on November 16 for the public. The Hong Kong Railway Museum Fun Day and the ICH Office’s ICH Fun Day at the Sam Tung Uk Museum will be staged on November 17 and November 23 respectively. Demonstrations and education activities will be held at the Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery Fun Day on November 30 to enhance the public’s knowledge of the Fireboat Alexander Grantham and the history of Hong Kong’s sea rescue. Moreover, the Conservation Office will arrange the Guardians of Museum Artefacts at the Shenzhen Museum: The Behind the Scenes of Conservators talk on November 16 at the HKMoA where the specialist from the Shenzhen Museum will introduce preventive conservation work.
          
             In addition to the day-time events, museums also offer exciting night-time activities. The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, will host An Evening with Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware for two nights. On November 23, where visitors can enjoy the outdoor immersive light show titled “Gentle Smoke of Tea” at the museum’s façade and “The Sound of Art” concert at the lawn. On November 24, in addition to the light show, visitors can explore the indoor “Gardens of Four Seasons” interactive display and visit the museum exhibitions.
          
         This year’s Muse Fest will continue to launch a mega publication and souvenir sale, offering up to 50 per cent discounts for selected museum publications and souvenirs.
          
         LCSD Museum Pass holders may also enjoy exclusive admission to experience a variety of special programmes during the festival period. For the event “Meet the Curator – Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence”, assistant curators of the MWRCD will introduce the curation and stories behind the exhibitions, and how the curatorial team delivers the history of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence to audiences. They will also take you on a special tour to permanent and thematic exhibitions of the museum. For another exclusive programme, “The Fireboat Then and Now Guided Tour – A Fireman Leads the Way”, a retired firemen who served on the fireboat will share the bits and pieces of the adventurous experience in the historic vessel as docent.
          
         Apart from the museums under the management of the LCSD, a total of 27 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao collaborative partners (including those in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Museum Alliance) participate in this year’s Museum Festival, bringing much excitement to the activities. The Shenzhen Museum will launch Hong Kong Museum Festival 2024 Shenzhen Branch – “The Beauty of Ingenuity” series of research activities to enable members of the public, especially young people to explore the profound depth of Chinese traditional culture through carefully-designed courses, including wood carving and gilding, a woodworking activity with mortise and tenon joinery, seal engraving and printmaking.
          
         For more details of the Muse Fest 2024, please visit the website at:
         https://www.museums.gov.hk/mf2024.
                                           

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Building safety symposium held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    More than 400 building professionals, property management practitioners, government officials and academics today attended the Building Safety Symposium, organised by the Buildings Department, to discuss the application of innovative technologies to enhance safety at buildings and in construction works.

    Speaking at the symposium, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said the Government is conducting a comprehensive review of the Buildings Ordinance, with three aims in mind: encouraging owners to expedite building repairs; rationalising enforcement against unauthorised building works (UBWs); and regulating the quality and safety of building works.

    Stressing that the main approach of the review is to increase penalties, lower prosecution thresholds and rationalise enforcement priorities, Ms Linn said the Government expects a public consultation on specific proposals to be launched by the end of this year, with legislative amendment proposals being submitted in the first half of 2026.

    In addition, she highlighted that the Government has adopted innovative technologies to enhance enforcement and work efficiency, including using new technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence to speed up building inspections, thereby strengthening enforcement against UBWs and defective signboards, and enhancing site safety.

    The Government will also put forward elderly-friendly building design proposals to tie in with its “ageing in place” policy. It has announced a roadmap, generally supported by the industry, to make it mandatory for the private sector to adopt Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology by 2029. Ms Linn said the Government will continue to work with the industry to make preparations.

    Director of Buildings Clarice Yu said at the symposium that the department will undertake a consultancy exercise on the full adoption of BIM by the private sector.

    In July, the department introduced mandatory measures requiring the adoption of two alert systems, under the Smart Site Safety System, for superstructure works with an estimated construction cost over $30 million. It is also exploring the feasibility of extending the systems to other types of works.

    The department will continue to apply professional expertise and take an innovative approach, while working together with the industry to create a safer and more sustainable built and living environment, Ms Yu added.

    The symposium was a highlight event of Building Safety Weeks 2024, and featured a number of local experts speaking on topics ranging from elderly-friendly building design to the impact of temperature on building safety.

    The department will hold carnivals on November 9 and 10 at Tuen Mun Town Plaza, and on November 16 and 17 at Olympic City 2. These will feature game booths, allowing the public to acquire building safety knowledge in a fun and engaging way.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joby Aviation and Toyota Accelerate Efforts to Realize Air Mobility

    Source: Toyota

    Headline: Joby Aviation and Toyota Accelerate Efforts to Realize Air Mobility

    Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Joby Aviation (Joby) came together at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center (Shizuoka, Japan) to assert their collective passion and ambition for air mobility in a gathering that included executives from both companies, Akio Toyoda, the chairman of the Toyota Group, and Joby CEO and founder, JoeBen Bevirt, along with Joby’s air taxi, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL).

    MIL OSI Economics –