The Government Flying Service (GFS) of Hong Kong successfully concluded its inaugural International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) from June 16 to 18, 2026, marking a significant step in fostering international collaboration in emergency response. The three-day event brought together more than 230 policymakers, experts, academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organizations across Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
The symposium aimed to strengthen emergency linkages, resource sharing, and professional training among different regions. Activities included plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical visits, and live demonstrations jointly conducted by GFS and various government emergency units. Several memoranda of understanding were signed during the event to deepen collaboration between GFS and counterparts from 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 highlighted the unprecedented pace of challenges posed by 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 expressed confidence 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), 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 GFS, the Hong Kong Police Force, and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, showcasing Hong Kong's professional capabilities in responding to terrorist attacks.
Captain Eddie Liu, Controller of GFS, emphasized the service's critical 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," Liu said. He noted that in emergencies such as terrorist attacks, GFS would rapidly deploy to assist disciplined services in conducting air assaults, offering all-round support to the HKSAR Government's counter-terrorism efforts.
Since its establishment in 1993, GFS has been at the forefront of round-the-clock search-and-rescue and emergency aeromedical operations. The 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 Hong Kong's initiatives can be found at Brand Hong Kong.
