International Symposium on Emergency Response Opens in Hong Kong, Fostering Global Collaboration and Innovation in Aeromedical Services.

2026-06-17 18:05 Last Updated At：18:53

GFS holds first International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (with photos/video)

The Government Flying Service (GFS) held the opening ceremony of the three-day International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) today (June 17). The symposium brought together more than 230 policymakers, relevant experts and academics, and industry players at home and abroad to jointly explore the latest developments and future directions in aeromedical services and emergency response. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were also signed to strengthen co-operation and exchanges among the participating parties, reflecting the status of Hong Kong as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia.

Click to Gallery

GFS holds first International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

More Images

GFS holds first International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

At the ceremony held at the Kai Tak Sports Park, the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, said that the challenges of emergency response as a result of the realities of climate change are evolving at an unprecedented pace. A shift to proactive prevention, continuous enhancement of international and cross-regional collaboration, and enhanced experience and insight sharing among stakeholders are key to rising to new and complex challenges. He also expressed that the collaborative spirit of ISERAS will forge stronger partnerships, further strengthen emergency response capabilities, and secure a safer future for communities.

The inaugural ISERAS in Hong Kong is being held from June 16 to 18. It brought together more than 230 government officials, policymakers, experts and academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organisations from places including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. It aims to foster closer co-operation in emergency linkage, resource sharing, and professional training among different regions.

In his opening remarks, the Controller of GFS, Mr Eddie Liu, said that ISERAS has gathered aeromedical experts from around the world to engage in exchanges on the latest developments in the relevant fields, with the aim of collectively building a truly transnational pool of professional expertise. He said that since its establishment in 1993, the GFS has served at the forefront of round-the-clock search-and-rescue and emergency aeromedical operations. He believed that the symposium will further enhance personnel training, facilitate technical exchange and expand professional networks.

The Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China (CRS), Mr Wang Lei, also attended the symposium and delivered a keynote presentation on air rescue capabilities and strategic development in the South China Sea. The symposium also featured plenary sessions and panel discussions among experts on strengthening interagency collaboration for unified emergency and disaster response, the role of aeromedical services in disaster response and associated risk management, and enhancing aeromedical services through advanced technology and innovation.

Following the ceremony, the GFS signed MOUs with CRS, Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine, OutReach Rescue of the United Kingdom and LifeFlight of Australia respectively, to deepen collaboration with the Chinese Mainland, domestic and international emergency, aviation, and medical institutions, further enhancing the GFS' personnel and technology exchanges while expanding the scope and platforms of professional training.

Tomorrow (June 18), the symposium will feature an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill and exchange session, with the participation of the GFS, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, showcasing Hong Kong's professional capabilities in responding to terrorist attacks.

Hong Kong Customs Launches Anti-Illicit Cigarette Campaign to Combat Duty-Not-Paid Sales

Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai

Hong Kong Customs today (June 17) conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Sha Tin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department (HD) at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System.

Customs officers patrolled the housing estates and introduced to residents Customs' enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation, including an increase in the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes to a $2 million fine and seven-years' imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.

Customs officers also introduced the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong to the members of the District Council, residents, and cigarette retailers. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. The department will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. Customs expects the Duty Stamp System to achieve the ultimate goal of effective distinguishment of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones,and to combat "cheap whites".

Customs will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise the public awareness of anti-illicit cigarettes. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080, its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflet). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public are also urged to report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO's hotline 2961 8823.

International Symposium on Emergency Response Opens in Hong Kong, Fostering Global Collaboration and Innovation in Aeromedical Services.

HK