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

     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.
 
Ends/Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Issued at HKT 18:05
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The Government Flying Service holds the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services from June 16 to 18. Photo shows the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, delivering a keynote speech at the opening ceremony today (June 17).
The Government Flying Service (GFS) holds the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services from June 16 to 18. Photo shows the Controller of GFS, Mr Eddie Liu, delivering a speech at the opening ceremony today (June 17).
The Government Flying Service (GFS) holds the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services from June 16 to 18. Photo shows the Under Secretary for Security, Mr 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, Mr Wang Lei (fifth right); the Controller of GFS, Mr Eddie Liu (fourth right), and other guests officiating at the opening ceremony today (June 17).
The Government Flying Service (GFS) holds the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services from June 16 to 18. Photo shows the Controller of GFS, Mr Eddie Liu (right), and the Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China, Mr Wang Lei (left), after signing a Memorandum of Understanding today (June 17).
The Government Flying Service (GFS) holds the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services from June 16 to 18. Photo shows the Controller of GFS, Mr Eddie Liu (right), and the Vice President of the Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine, Dr Chan Yiu-cheung (left), after signing a Memorandum of Understanding today (June 17).
The Government Flying Service (GFS) holds the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services from June 16 to 18. Photo shows the Controller of GFS, Mr Eddie Liu (right), and the Chief Operating Officer, Commercial & Retrieval Medicine of LifeFlight, Australia, Mr Timothy McGuire (left), after signing a Memorandum of Understanding today (June 17).
The Government Flying Service (GFS) holds the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services from June 16 to 18. Photo shows the Controller of GFS, Mr Eddie Liu (right), and the Officer Commanding Specialist Flight Operations of Outreach Rescue, United Kingdom, Mr Antony Stuart Blatston (left), after signing a Memorandum of Understanding today (June 17).

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GFS holds first International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services
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