The Government Flying Service (GFS) of Hong Kong successfully hosted the inaugural three-day International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) from June 16 to 18, 2026. The event brought together more than 230 policymakers, experts, academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organizations. Participants hailed from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, among others, to foster closer cooperation in emergency linkage, resource sharing, and professional training across different regions.
The symposium 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 to deepen collaboration between the GFS and entities in the Chinese Mainland, as well as domestic and international emergency, aviation, and medical institutions. These agreements aim to enhance joint training and information exchange, strengthening regional emergency response capabilities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk emphasized the evolving challenges posed by 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.
Wang Lei, Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China (CRS), 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 cross-border coordination in maritime emergencies.
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. Controller of the GFS, Captain Eddie Liu, stated that the GFS has always played an important 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," 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. The ISERAS aims to collectively build a truly transnational pool of professional expertise, thereby underscoring Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia. More information about Hong Kong's brand initiatives can be found at Brand Hong Kong.
