The Government Flying Service (GFS) of Hong Kong concluded its inaugural three-day International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) on June 18, bringing together more than 230 policymakers, experts, academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organizations. Participants hailed from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, underscoring the event's international scope.
The symposium aimed to foster closer cooperation in emergency linkage, resource sharing, and professional training among different regions. It 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 the challenges of emergency response due to 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," Cheuk said. He added that the collaborative spirit of ISERAS would 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), 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, highlighted the GFS's role in emergency response and rescue, including search and rescue, air ambulance services, and 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 transnational pool of professional expertise, underscoring Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia. For more information, visit Brand Hong Kong.
