Hong Kong's Inaugural Emergency Response Symposium Draws Global Participation

Hong Kong's Government Flying Service (GFS) successfully hosted its inaugural three-day International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) from June 16 to 18, attracting more than 230 policymakers, experts, academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organisations. Participants came from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, aiming to foster closer cooperation in emergency linkage, resource sharing, and professional training among different regions.

The symposium featured plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical visits, and live demonstrations jointly conducted by the GFS and various government emergency units. Several memoranda of understanding were signed 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, Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk emphasized that climate change is accelerating the evolution of emergency response challenges. "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," 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, 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 involving 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.

Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu, highlighted the GFS's role in emergency response and rescue, including search and rescue, air ambulance, and other emergency aeromedical services, as well as maintaining internal security. "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," Liu said.

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