The Hong Kong Government Flying Service (GFS) 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 attracted more than 230 policymakers, experts, academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organisations across regions including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
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 emphasised the evolving challenges of emergency response due to climate change. He stated, "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." Mr. Cheuk added 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.
GFS Controller Captain Eddie Liu highlighted the GFS's role in emergency response and rescue, including search and rescue, air ambulance, and other aeromedical services, as well as maintaining internal security. He noted that during terrorist attacks, the GFS would rapidly deploy to assist disciplined services in air assault operations. Since its establishment in 1993, the GFS has been at the forefront of 24/7 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. More information about the event can be found at Brand Hong Kong.
