The Government Flying Service (GFS) of Hong Kong successfully concluded its inaugural International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) on June 18, 2026, after three days of discussions and demonstrations. The event, held from June 16 to 18, brought together more than 230 policymakers, experts, academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organizations worldwide.
Participants from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand attended the symposium, which aimed 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.
A key outcome of the event was the signing of several memoranda of understanding to deepen collaboration between the GFS and the Chinese Mainland, as well as domestic and international emergency, aviation, and medical institutions. These agreements are expected to enhance cross-border coordination in emergency response and aeromedical services.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk emphasized the need for proactive prevention and enhanced international collaboration in the face of climate change 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 would forge stronger partnerships and strengthen emergency response capabilities.
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 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 air ambulance services and support for 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 operated at the forefront of round-the-clock search-and-rescue and emergency aeromedical operations. ISERAS aims to build a transnational pool of professional expertise, underscoring Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia. Further information about the event and Hong Kong's branding initiatives can be found at Brand Hong Kong.
