The Government Flying Service (GFS) of Hong Kong successfully concluded its inaugural three-day International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) from June 16 to 18, bringing together more than 230 policymakers, experts, academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organizations. Participants from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand attended the event, which aimed to foster closer cooperation in emergency linkage, resource sharing, and professional training among different regions.
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. Several 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. This marks a significant step in building a transnational pool of professional expertise in emergency response and aeromedical services.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk highlighted the evolving challenges of emergency response due to climate change. "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. He added that the collaborative spirit of ISERAS will forge stronger partnerships, further strengthen emergency response capabilities, and secure a safer future for communities.
Wang Lei, Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China (CRS), 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 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, emphasized the GFS's 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. ISERAS underscores Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia, facilitating knowledge exchange and cooperation that can enhance emergency preparedness across the region. For more information about the event, visit Brand Hong Kong.
