Successful debut of International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services in Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire – 20 June 2026 – Hong Kong's Government Flying Service (GFS) held its inaugural three-day International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) (June 16-18), bringing together more than 230 policymakers, experts and academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organisations.

With participants from places including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, the event aimed to foster closer co-operation in emergency linkage, resource sharing, and professional training among different regions.

The inaugural International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services was held in Hong Kong from June 16 to 18. Photo shows the Under Secretary for Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Michael Cheuk (fifth left); the Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China, Wang Lei (fifth right); the Controller of the Government Flying Services of the HKSAR Government, Captain Eddie Liu (fourth right), and other guests at the opening ceremony.

The symposium featured a series of plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical visits, and live demonstrations jointly conducted by the GFS and various government emergency units. A number of memoranda of understanding were signed during the event, to deepen collaboration between the GFS and the Chinese Mainland as well as domestic and international emergency, aviation, and medical institutions.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Under Secretary for Security, 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," Mr Cheuk said, adding that the collaborative spirit of ISERAS will forge stronger partnerships, further strengthen emergency response capabilities, and secure a safer future for communities.

The Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China (CRS), 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 concluded with 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.

The symposium concluded with an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill.

The Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu, said that the GFS has always played an important role in emergency response and rescue. "In addition to assisting in search and rescue, providing air ambulance and other emergency aeromedical services, the GFS also shoulders the responsibility of maintaining internal security of the HKSAR," he said.

"In emergencies such as terrorist attacks, the GFS would make rapid deployment to assist the disciplined services in conducting air assault, offering all-round support to the HKSAR Government's overall counter-terrorism efforts."

Since its establishment in 1993, the GFS has served at the forefront of round-the-clock search-and-rescue and emergency aeromedical operations, while the ISERAS aims to collectively build a truly transnational pool of professional expertise, thereby underscoring Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia.

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HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2026 - Bringing a refreshing wave to a beloved cultural tradition, Swire Coca-Cola HK has become the Official Beverage Sponsor for the "2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races", organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Running from 19 June to 1 July, the brand is set to energise athletes, locals, and tourists alike with thirst-quenching beverages and an eye-catching festive photo spot.

Giant Festive Installation at the Avenue of Stars.

Deeply rooted in the city for over six decades, Swire Coca-Cola HK is driven by its brand purpose "to deliver refreshment to the communities we call home" and has proudly been part of many of Hong Kong's defining moments. From local festivities and cultural events to large-scale sports and tourism experiences, the brand has long connected with the community, dedicated to supporting Hong Kong's vibrant mega-event economy. Serving as the Official Beverage Sponsor of the event this year represents another milestone in its mission to share joy and create unforgettable summer memories.

Festive Photo Spot: Two-Metre Giant Coca-Cola® Bottle on the Avenue of Stars

To amplify the festive spirit, a giant, two-metre-tall Coca-Cola® bottle, accompanied by a dragon boat-themed installation, will land on the Avenue of Stars. Set against the dazzling backdrop of Victoria Harbour, this striking display will be available from 19 June to 1 July, offering the compelling photo spot for the public to capture memorable moments while enjoying the thrilling races.

Festive-Themed Combo Meals: Redeem Limited-Edition Mystery Gifts

Echoing the culinary excitement of the event's special "Dragon Boat Food Lane", Swire Coca-Cola HK is partnering with designated kiosks and stalls along the Avenue of Stars to launch festive-themed combo meals. During the race days on 27 and 28 June, consumers who purchase a designated meal set featuring Swire Coca-Cola HK products, or buy two or more selected Swire Coca-Cola HK products, will receive a redemption voucher. This voucher can be used to redeem the brand's mystery gift at the redemption counter at specified timeslots, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Boosting Energy and Keeping Paddlers Hydrated

Given the intense physical demands of dragon boat racing, the brand is also throwing its full support behind the local and international paddlers. Multiple bonaqua® water stations will be set up across the event venue to ensure over 4,500 athletes stay hydrated. Additionally, electrolytes replenishment drink Aquarius® will be provided to offer a vital energy boost, helping paddlers power through to the finish line.

Paddling Towards a Greener Future

Beyond the excitement of the races, Swire Coca-Cola HK also brings sustainable practices to the celebration. In collaboration with local social enterprise V Cycle, the brand will set up multiple plastic bottle recycling stations during the race days on 27 and 28 June. Collected bottles will be transported to New Life Plastics, Hong Kong's largest food-grade-ready plastic bottle recycling facility. The recyclables will be processed into recycled PET (rPET) materials and reintroduced into the supply chain to create new bottles. This "bottle-to-bottle" initiative highlights a successful circular economy model by giving recycled plastic a second life, making environmental stewardship a core part of the event experience.

As the "2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival" unfolds, Swire Coca-Cola HK is excited to celebrate this summer spectacular with the locals and tourists. Through refreshing drinks, interactive fun, and recycling actions, the brand hopes to create lasting memories for all.

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