The Government Flying Service (GFS) of Hong Kong successfully concluded its inaugural three-day International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) on June 18, 2026, marking a significant step in fostering global cooperation in emergency management. The event, held from June 16 to 18, attracted 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 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 during the event, deepening 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 highlighted the accelerating challenges posed by climate change. He emphasized the need for proactive prevention, enhanced international and cross-regional collaboration, and improved sharing of experiences and insights to address complex emergencies. Cheuk expressed confidence that the collaborative spirit of ISERAS would forge stronger partnerships, 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, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in maritime emergency response.
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, demonstrating Hong Kong's professional capabilities in responding to terrorist attacks. Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu, noted that the GFS plays a vital role in emergency response and rescue, including search and rescue, air ambulance services, and supporting internal security. During terrorist attacks, the GFS can rapidly deploy to assist disciplined services in air assaults, providing comprehensive support to the HKSAR Government's counter-terrorism efforts.
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 build a truly transnational pool of professional expertise, underscoring Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia. For more information about the event and Hong Kong's branding initiatives, visit Brand Hong Kong.
