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. 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. Participants came from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, among other regions. The symposium aimed to foster closer cooperation in emergency linkage, resource sharing, and professional training across different regions.
During the symposium, a series of plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical visits, and live demonstrations were conducted jointly by the GFS and various government emergency units. Several memoranda of understanding were signed to deepen collaboration between the GFS and entities from the Chinese Mainland, as well as domestic and international emergency, aviation, and medical institutions. These agreements are expected to strengthen cross-border emergency response capabilities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Under Secretary for Security, Michael Cheuk, emphasized that the challenges of emergency response are evolving rapidly 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." Cheuk added that the collaborative spirit of ISERAS would forge stronger partnerships, further strengthen emergency response capabilities, and secure a safer future for communities.
The Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China (CRS), Wang Lei, also attended the symposium and delivered a keynote presentation on air rescue capabilities and strategic development in the South China Sea. His presentation highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in maritime and aerial rescue operations.
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. This drill showcased Hong Kong's professional capabilities in responding to terrorist attacks. The 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 maintaining internal security. He said, "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."
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 truly transnational pool of professional expertise, underscoring Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia. For more information on Hong Kong's branding efforts, visit Brand Hong Kong.
