Police seize $12m of cocaine stashed inside container

November 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have seized 36 kilograms of cocaine this afternoon, after its discovery stashed inside a container delivered to an Auckland business.

An investigation is now underway to locate the criminal syndicate involved in the importation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Hunt, from the National Organised Crime Group, says unsuspecting workers made the discovery today.

“Staff working at the Auckland premises were going about unloading legitimate goods shipped from Brazil when the cocaine was discovered,” he says.

“It was in bags on the top of the legitimate product in the container.”

Police were contacted and detectives from the National Organised Crime Group were soon on site, seizing 36 kilograms of cocaine.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hunt says the seizure is worth around $12.6 million.

“This is a prime example of a ‘rip on’ or ‘rip off’ importation to try and sneak drugs into New Zealand,” he says.

“It’s a common method used by criminal groups where they exploit the bona-fide details of a legitimate company’s import.”

Police enquiries remain in the very early stages.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hunt confirms New Zealand Police will work with overseas law enforcement agencies as part of the investigation.

“I acknowledge the staff for doing the right thing and it’s great to have this product seized before it reached New Zealand communities.

“For context, removing this amount of cocaine from the market may have prevented up to $13m worth of social harm to the country.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Media note: Police is releasing three images, attached to this media release.

MIL OSI

Express lane for new supermarkets underway

LiveNews Publisher

November 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has today introduced the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill, creating a consenting express lane for new supermarkets.

Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says the Bill creates a new fast-track consent option for new supermarkets that would improve grocery competition.

“Our goal is a more competitive grocery market that delivers better prices and more choice for Kiwi shoppers.

“Potential supermarket competitors have told us that standard resource consent processes can hold them back; with restrictive local zoning and lengthy approval processes adding cost, complexity and delay before new projects can get off the ground.

“The Fast-track Bill will allow new supermarket developments to bypass the standard lengthy resource consent process and instead be referred by the Minister for Infrastructure to a fast-track expert panel for a quicker decision.

“This will simplify what can be a years-long process into one that could be wrapped up in a few short months.”

“To qualify for this express treatment, projects will have to demonstrate how they align with the Government Policy Statement on grocery competition, which accompanies the Bill being introduced today.

“The policy statement makes clear that this express lane option is targeted at supporting the entry and expansion of firms that can challenge the dominance of existing major grocery retailers and offer genuine choice to consumers.

“This could include formats currently under-represented in New Zealand including supercentres, limited assortment stores, and multi-site developments.

“The competition statement states that projects from the dominant incumbent grocery players – Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island and Woolworths – would only be considered for fast-track referral in very limited circumstances where they can demonstrate a specific project would not reinforce their existing market dominance but would, for example, bring consumer choice to an underserved region.

“This Bill is an important step forward in the Government’s work to roll out the welcome mat for new supermarket competitors, boost competition and deliver better deals for Kiwi shoppers.”

Minister for RMA Reform Chris Bishop says the Fast-track Amendment Bill clarifies and further streamlines the Fast-track Approvals Act for even greater efficiency.

The Fast Track Approvals Act is generally working well, with four projects already consented (Port of Auckland’s Bledisloe North Wharf and Ferguson North Berth Extension, Maitahi Village development in Nelson, the Milldale development in the Auckland suburb of Wainui and the Tekapo Power Scheme reconsenting). There are 24 substantive applications currently in train at various stages with five more decisions due by Christmas 2025.

“The Bill introduced today makes a series of technical changes to improve the efficiency of the Act and to cut project application processing times.

“The Bill includes a small but important correction to Schedule 2 to ensure the Stella Passage at the Port of Tauranga, that was agreed by Parliament, is accurately described to align with that project’s scope.

“Over the last few months, the expert panels and panel conveners, applicants, government officials, and councils have identified areas where improvements could be made to the Fast-track regime, many of which are reflected in the Bill introduced today.

“Officials estimate the amendments introduced in this Bill could reduce the combined processing and consideration times by six weeks or more.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says the simplification of the consenting process for potential new entrants in the supermarket sector is great news for regional New Zealand.

“Kiwis who live in the country’s smaller centres are often the most impacted by a lack of grocery retail competition. These changes will make it easier for supermarkets to set up shop, bringing down prices for people working hard to put food on the table for their families.”

“The changes being made to the fast-track are a sensible response to the teething problems that have arisen from time to time in this early stage of the Act. The Government will take particular note of submissions through select committee, to ensure that all sensible efficiencies in the process are being made.

“I’m confident that as the legislation beds in, and both officials and the public become more comfortable with the pace at which decisions are being made while staying within guard rails, the fast-track will really show its value for Kiwis through jobs, regional prosperity and economic growth.”

The Government’s intention is for the Bill to be referred to the Environment Select Committee for scrutiny after its first reading in Parliament on Thursday 6 November and for the Bill to be passed before the end of the year.

Note to editor:

The Government has released the draft Government Policy Statement to help the sector identify which projects are likely to be eligible for the fast-track process. The draft Government Policy Statement will be formally issued subject to the passage of the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill. It is not yet in effect and does not carry any legal weight in respect of decisions being made on current applications.

More information on the Government’s grocery work programme is available here.

Attached: Draft Government Policy Statement – Grocery Competition

MIL OSI

Geotechnical work about to begin for State Highway 1 Wellington improvements project

LiveNews Publisher

November 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Drills will be in the ground shortly with investigation work set to begin on one of Wellington’s biggest infrastructure projects.

Geotechnical works for the State Highway 1 Wellington Improvements Roads of National Significance (RoNS) project are due to begin from Monday, 10 November, and are scheduled to finish in January 2026. The drilling work will be undertaken on the Hataitai side of Mount Victoria, within the Wellington Town Belt.

Kesh Keshaboina, Regional Manager System Design, says some recreational tracks used by walkers and bikers in the area will have to be temporarily closed so that the work can be completed safely. “We will need to drill five boreholes between 40 and 80 metres into the ground to obtain geological core samples as part of the ongoing planning for this project.”

“It is critical that we get an accurate picture of the local geology, as this will help us to plan the alignment and develop the design of the proposed second Mount Victoria Tunnel. The core samples will provide valuable information, critical for the project’s success, Mr Keshaboina says.

He says, to manage safety risks, it is important that people are kept clear of the drilling sites while the work is underway.

“We appreciate that the Mount Victoria tracks are well-used and well-loved by many in the community, but it is simply not safe to have tracks open at sites where drilling is planned. We are asking people to bear with us while we complete this essential work.”

“This work is temporary, and full access will be restored to the affected tracks and paths as soon as it is completed,” Mr Keshaboina says.

He says every effort will be made to reduce impacts on the public and NZTA/Waka Kotahi will keep people up to date on the work.

“Work will be underway at multiple sites simultaneously to ensure the investigations are finished as quickly as possible.”

“Signs will be in place on closed tracks, and on feeder tracks, to ensure that people know exactly which areas can and cannot be accessed. The most up-to-date track closure information will always be available on the project page on the NZTA website,” Mr Keshaboina says.

More information

MIL OSI

Renewable Energy – Pahiatua wind farm granted resource consent – EPA

LiveNews Publisher

November 3, 2025

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

An independent panel has granted resource consent, subject to conditions, for the Pahiatua Wind Farm project in Pahiatua in the Tararua District.

Pahiatua Wind Limited applied for resource consent under the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023.

The project involves the development, operation, and maintenance of a wind farm comprising up to 11 turbines, with an estimated generation capacity between 32 and 56 megawatts.

The resource consent conditions are in the decision report on the page linked below.

The decision comes 124 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.

The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel.

Note that this application was made under the now repealed Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 and not the more recent fast-track legislation.

MIL OSI

Fire Safety – Restricted Fire Season for most of the Hawke’s Bay District

LiveNews Publisher

November 3, 2025

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Much of the Hawke’s Bay District will move into a restricted fire season from midday 4 November until further notice.

A restricted fire season means a permit is required from Fire and Emergency New Zealand to light a fire in the open air.

Areas going into a restricted fire season are Esk-Tutaekuri, Ahuriri-Heretaunga, Tukituki West, Tukituki East, Southern Hawke’s Bay Coast and Pōrangahau.

Community Risk Manager Nigel Hall says the area is experiencing warm, windy weather with little rainfall expected over the next month.

“Last month alone we saw 37 vegetation fires across the Hawke’s Bay District many escaping from old burn piles, driven by wind,” he says.

“The slightest spark in windy and hot weather conditions can cause a fire that will spread very quickly in areas that are already extremely dry for this time of year.

“There are a lot of burn piles across the district that are the result of numerous storms over the last few years.

“If you’ve been burning vegetation any time in the last few months or so, check the fire is completely extinguished,” he says.

“Spread it out and extinguish completely with water.

“We expect anyone planning on lighting a fire to have a permit if they are in the restricted fire zone.”

All people planning fires must go to www.checkitsalright.nz check the conditions for their location, and hold off lighting if it is windy or hot.

For fire safety tips and more information about the activities you can and can’t do in a restricted fire season, go to www.checkitsalright.nz

MIL OSI

Vinhomes Green Paradise applies to be a participant in the world’s ‘7 Wonders of Future Cities’ global campaign

MIL OSI

November 3, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

CAN GIO, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – The Can Gio Urban Area Project – Vinhomes Green Paradise – has officiallyapplied to become a Participant in the global “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign, launched by the world-renowned New7Wonders organization. By firmly embracing this global initiative, Vinhomes reaffirms its forward-looking vision, positioning Vinhomes Green Paradise not merely as a real estate development but as a world-class symbol that embodies the future of human urban living.

Vinhomes Green Paradise features a world-class collection of premium amenities, setting new living standards for a future-ready urban township.

Vinhomes announced its intended participation in the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign immediately after the initiative officially launched on October 31, 2025. The global campaign invites citizens worldwide to identify seven cities that best represent innovation, sustainability, and human progress – urban icons that define what it means to be a “City of the Future”.

For the next year, proposals and applications from participant cities and developments will be accepted, followed by the start of the voting phase on 31 October 2026, which will run until the official declaration of the 7 Wonders of Future Cities on 31 October 2027.

The “7 Wonders of Future Cities” initiative is more than just a worldwide conversation to recognize new “wonders”. It is a celebration of 21st-century civilization, honoring cities that lead in sustainable urban planning, human-centric technology, and creative innovation.

By all these criteria, Vinhomes Green Paradise – the Can Gio coastal reclamation and eco-urban development – stands as an ideal candidate, representing one of the world’s most advanced ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) urban models.

A standout highlight is the 7-hectare Blue Waves Theatre, located at the heart of the development, which is poised to become a premier destination for a wide array of performing arts.

Located in the coastal ecological zone of Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, adjacent to the UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Vinhomes Green Paradise is a modern urban development covering 2,870 hectares, surrounded by a 121-kilometer coastline, including 53 kilometers of public beachfront. Upon completion, it will become Vietnam’s largest coastal megacity, envisioned as a leading regional “eco-tech marine city”, developed under the ESG++ model that integrates smart operation technologies, renewable energy, and a master plan harmoniously connecting forest and sea.

As a pioneer in Vietnam, Vinhomes Green Paradise aims to achieve the BREEAM Communities certification, one of the world’s most rigorous and prestigious standards for sustainable urban planning and development, alongside ISO 37122, the national standard for smart city development.

The project’s operational technologies are designed to strictly adhere to principles of environmental friendliness, natural harmony, energy and water optimization, carbon footprint monitoring, and full renewable energy utilization. To this end, the project includes the development of an offshore wind power system, located 20 kilometers from the coastline, harnessing natural wind resources through state-of-the-art technology to provide a consistent supply of green energy for the entire ecosystem.

Vinhomes Green Paradise is also investing in the development of green mobility infrastructure, with the goal of ensuring that 100% of vehicles operating within the township achieve net-zero emissions.

With its unique position “forest-backed, sea-facing,” the development maintains an average temperature approximately 2°C cooler than central Ho Chi Minh City, positioning itself as a future icon of green and sustainable urban living in southern Vietnam. Committed to contributing to the city’s sustainable growth, Vinhomes Green Paradise strictly complies with all environmental protection standards, with a focus on preserving and regenerating local biodiversity throughout the construction and development process.

Vinhomes Green Paradise also includes two world-class 18-hole golf courses, inspired by the beauty of Dawn and Dusk, offering diverse terrains and an exceptional golfing experience.

Beyond transforming the southern coastal landscape of Vietnam, Vinhomes Green Paradise represents a new benchmark for the cities of the future. The project’s world-class amenities include an 800-hectare saltwater lagoon, the Blue Waves Theatre, an 18-hole golf course, a network of amusement parks, and the Landmark Harbour marina complex, expected to attract up to 40 million visitors annually.

Ms. Nguyen Thu Hang, CEO of Vinhomes, shared: “We highly appreciate the New7Wonders initiative for honoring humanity’s relentless efforts to shape the cities of tomorrow. The values that New7Wonders celebrates perfectly align with the vision and development philosophy of Vinhomes, a vision driven by the aspiration to build timeless urban wonders, where people, technology, and nature coexist in sustainable harmony. With an urban model designed to meet the world’s most advanced ESG benchmarks, Vinhomes Green Paradise in Can Gio stands as a living testament to that vision – a symbol of a new era that defines the standards of future living and preserves enduring values for generations to come“.

Since its founding 25 years ago, New7Wonders, the global organization behind the “New 7 Wonders of the World” and “New 7 Wonders of Nature” campaigns, has become a global cultural phenomenon, engaging hundreds of millions of people worldwide to redefine what constitutes a “wonder” in the modern age. In 2007, the organization announced the chosen “New 7 Wonders of the World”, including the Great Wall of China, the Colosseum (Italy), and the Taj Mahal (India). In 2011, Ha Long Bay of Vietnam was proudly voted one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature”, alongside the Amazon, Iguazu Falls, and Jeju Island amongst others.

Building on that legacy, the “7 Wonders Cities of the Future” campaign invites global citizens to redefine the concept of an urban wonder and establish new standards for quality of life in the 21st century. The application by Vinhomes Green Paradise to become a Participant underscore not only the growing prominence of Vietnam’s real estate sector but also the vision and capacity of Vinhomes, a pioneering brand shaping transformative, regionally influential developments.

With over 30 modern urban developments transforming cityscapes across Vietnam, Vinhomes continues to lead the way in creating world-class mega-urban projects. Each development is not merely a place to live, but a symbol of a progressive, green, and prosperous lifestyle.

https://vinhomes.vn/en

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Police investigating arson and other offending at Ōrewa businesses

LiveNews Publisher

November 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have commenced an operation on the Hibiscus Coast into a fire deliberately lit at a cafe over the weekend.

It comes as Waitematā North CIB continues to investigate another attempted arson and damage at nearby Ōrewa businesses in recent months.

Waitematā North Area Commander Inspector John Thornley says the most recent fire occurred late on Saturday 1 November.

“Operation Governor has been set up to investigate the most recent fire on the main strip in Ōrewa,” he says.

“It’s fortunate that no one has been harmed as a result of this fire, which is considered to be deliberately lit.”

Residents can expect to see a larger Police presence around Ōrewa over the coming days.

“I want the community to know that these attacks on local businesses won’t be tolerated and we are working hard to hold those responsible to account,” Inspector Thornley says.

“These arsons are not only damaging property, but it’s affecting peoples’ livelihoods, and Police is open-minded about whether any of these incidents are linked.”

It’s highly likely the community’s information may prove pivotal in this investigation.

Inspector Thornley says the investigation team will be engaging with the public over the coming days.

“We want to hear about any suspicious activity that people might have seen on Saturday night,” he says.

“I’m asking anyone with dashcam footage around the Ōrewa township, between 10pm and midnight, on Saturday 1 November to make themselves known to the investigation team.

“No piece of information is too small, so please come forward as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 251102/4265.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

A Well-Oiled Machinery & Equipment Sector: The Silent Strength Powering Malaysia’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Excellence

MIL OSI

November 3, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – In the global semiconductor race, the loudest voices don’t always belong to those doing the heaviest lifting. While headlines trumpet chip breakthroughs and billion-dollar fabs, Malaysia has been quietly perfecting something far more fundamental: the machinery and equipment that makes it all possible.

This is not the story of flashy innovation or overnight success. It’s the story of four decades spent mastering the unglamorous but indispensable, precision robots that place components with microscopic accuracy, testing equipment that validates every nanometer, and clean room systems that maintain environments more sterile than operating theatres. Behind every chip that rolls off a Malaysian assembly line lies this web of engineering excellence, a competitive advantage so deeply embedded that even global giants struggle to replicate it.

Malaysia ranks as the sixth largest semiconductor exporter globally and commands 13 per cent of the world’s Assembly, Testing and Packaging Operations.

As Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), puts it, “When global semiconductor companies look at Malaysia, they see our competitive costs or our location, But, what really differentiates us is our comprehensive Machinery and Equipment (M&E ecosystem) — the ability to not just build but continuously innovate and maintain the incredibly sophisticated equipment that semiconductor operation depends on.

The integrated Machinery and Equipment (M&E) ecosystem has been fundamentally shaped by key Foreign Investments (FI) that serve as catalysts for local capacity building. Global leaders specialising in front-end equipment, such as LAM Research and Applied Materials, have established major manufacturing and support operations in Malaysia, creating extensive sourcing opportunities for local players. At the same time, back-end equipment innovator Besi APAC and Cohu actively collaborates with Malaysian companies, transferring expertise in high-precision manufacturing. This strategic integration has played a critical role in advancing homegrown champions such as Pentamaster, Vitrox, Greatech, Tonasco and SFP, enabling them to evolve from simple component suppliers into engineering partners capable of meeting global standards in advanced packaging and complex assembly.

This robust ecosystem, honed across generations of manufacturing excellence, is Malaysia’s quiet competitive edge. It comprises a complete value chain, supported by our foundational engineering support expertise in precision machining, tooling, and high-tolerance metal fabrication, which forms the physical backbone for more complex automated equipment and robotics. And now, as the country pivots from its decades-long dominance in downstream activities toward capturing high-value front-end segments, that machinery and equipment foundation is about to become its most potent weapon.

MIDA’s Gameplan: A Multi-Pronged Strategic Push

The shift is as ambitious as it is necessary. High-value segments such as chip design and advanced manufacturing technologies depend on specialised M&E such as lithography, deposition, and etching equipment — critical processes that define the performance and capabilities of every modern chip.

MIDA is spearheading the shift by positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for front-end semiconductor M&E manufacturing, guided by clear mandates from the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS). On the international front, the agency is actively courting global pioneers in front-end equipment manufacturing to attract anchor investments that will accelerate the development of a sophisticated, high-value manufacturing ecosystem within Malaysia.

The strategic push, however, goes beyond just attracting investments. MIDA is building a thriving high-tech ecosystem to support technology transfer, knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation. The agency maps local manufacturers and facilitate high-impact business matching at key events like SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025, creating direct pathways for Malaysian suppliers to embed themselves into global supply chains and engage with industry titans like ASML, Ferrotec, and Micron.

The goal is nothing less than repositioning Malaysian M&E companies from component suppliers to strategic innovation partners in the most critical segments of the global value chain.

Nurturing Homegrown Champions

Yet for all the emphasis on global partnerships, MIDA understand that Malaysia’s semiconductor future must be built on homegrown capabilities. The focus has shifted toward nurturing deep expertise in highly specialised areas such as, advanced mechatronics, precision optics, and complex process technologies. Through targeted facilitation and incentives. the government is betting that Malaysian companies can close the gap with global leaders faster than anyone expects.

Industry veterans like Chuah Choon Bin, founder and executive chairman of Penang-based Pentamaster Corporation Berhad, welcome the support. “In today’s fiercely competitive environment, where intense price competition particularly from China continues to put pressure on margins, the financial support from the government is crucial to help Malaysian companies like us to remain competitive globally,” he explains.

For Pentamaster, which has been operating since 1991, the fiscal support provided by the Malaysian Government through MIDA have been transformative. “These facilitation allow us to intensify R&D, adopt cutting-edge technologies and expand into advanced technology areas in the ATE and FAS segments.” Chuah notes. “They provide the necessary support for us to invest in next-generation technologies like advanced packaging technologies and shorten our time-to-market, which is critical in an industry driven by rapid innovation cycles,”.

Pentamaster’s story reflects the broader heritage that makes Malaysia’s M&E sector resilient. Back then, Penang hosted a deep ecosystem in M&E, electronics, sheet metal fabrication and semiconductor manufacturing.

That heritage, Chuah said, “provided Pentamaster with access to a skilled workforce, precision engineering know-how and a strong supplier network”, advantages that continue to pay dividends today.

The Turning Point

This evolving narrative marks a crucial turning point for Malaysia: the country is ascending from an auxiliary support role to a core position in the advanced chip production infrastructure. The country that spent decades perfecting the machinery behind the scenes is stepping into the spotlight, ready to claim its place among the semiconductor elite.

For a nation that has always let its work speak louder than its words, this moment feels both inevitable and earned. Malaysia’s enduring semiconductor legacy, built on precision, persistence, and the unglamorous art of making things work, is about to be cemented on the global map.

And, the machinery that got them here is just getting started.

Home

Hashtag: #MIDA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Road blocked, SH 5, Whakarewarewa

LiveNews Publisher

November 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Road blocked, SH 5, Whakarewarewa

A truck crash has blocked State Highway 5 at Whakarewarewa, south of Rotorua this afternoon.

The crash occurred when a truck and trailer carrying logs overturned between Waipa State Mill Road and Eight Mile Gate Road, about 3.30pm. The driver reportedly suffered minor injuries.

The road is fully blocked, and traffic management is being arranged. Diversions are in place on Tumunui Road and State Highway 30.

Motorists should expect delays while the scene is cleared.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

HKSOS x Sowers Action Challenging 12 Hours Charity Trail Marathon 2025

MIL OSI

November 3, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2025 – The HKSOS x Sowers Action Challenging 12 Hours Charity Trail Marathon 2025 successfully took place today (2 November). The event, co-organized by Sowers Action and the mobile application HKSOS, was officiated at the kick-off ceremony by the Hon. of the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung. Other officiating guests included the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Information Systems), Ms. Kwan Chui-ching; the Assistant Director (Kowloon) of the Fire Services Department, Mr. Tsang Wing-hung; Divisional Commander (Kowloon East), Mr. Chu Man-chiu; Assistant Commissioner (World Customs Organization) of the Customs and Excise Department, Mr. Li Kin Kei; Acting Chief Pilot (Operations) of the Government Flying Service, Mr. Lui Tak-shun; and Staff Officer of the Auxiliary Medical Service, Mr. Siu Kwan-choi.

More than 1,300 runners participated across four race categories — 42km, 28km, 14km, and a 3km Family Fun Run — joining forces for a meaningful cause to support education for underprivileged children while promoting outdoor safety.

Sowers Action Chairman Mr. Raymond Lee expressed heartfelt thanks to all participants:“We sincerely thank all government departments, sponsoring organizations, volunteers, runners, and members of the media for their unwavering support and participation, which made the “Challenging 12 Hours Charity Trail Marathon” possible. Over the past 34 years, Sowers Action has extended its footprint across 16 provinces and 248 counties in Mainland China, as well as in various overseas regions. In recent years, we have also established the Sowers Action Service Centre in Sham Shui Po, serving over 1,600 grassroots families in Hong Kong. The ‘Challenging 12 Hours’ has been our signature charitable event for 27 consecutive years, and we are honored to collaborate with “HKSOS” this year to not only raise funds for children’s education but also to promote mountain and outdoor safety awareness. The success of this event truly relies on the collective efforts of everyone involved. In line with our belief that ‘Kindness Knows No Borders’, we are deeply grateful to every participant whose generosity helps sustain our mission in education and empowerment. Wishing all runners a safe and successful race, embodying the spirit of ‘Doing Good Brings Joy’.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Information Systems) Ms. Kwan Chui-ching remarked:“It is an honour for the Hong Kong Police Force to co-organize the ‘Challenging 12 Hours Charity Marathon’ with Sowers Action, bringing together the dual missions of education and technology. Since its launch in 2024, the HKSOS mobile application has successfully assisted over 270 citizens, averaging one rescue every two days. Its patented system integrates AI-powered incident detection, direct linkage to the 999 emergency centre, and an emergency contact network, forming a robust ‘safety triangle’ designed to enhance outdoor safety. We are especially delighted that over 1,300 runners participating today have downloaded HKSOS. Two weeks ago, our team also successfully conducted a satellite rescue test at an altitude of 5,600 meters in Nepal, marking an important milestone in validating cross-border emergency response capabilities. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to China Mobile Hong Kong for their strong support, and to every participant who has joined us in promoting both charity and safety through technology. I wish all runners a safe race and great success in this meaningful event.”

Secretary for Security Mr. Chris Tang also said: “I am delighted to once again be invited by Sowers Action to officiate at the ‘Challenging 12 Hours Charity Trail Marathon 2025’ and to witness the results of the runners’ dedication and hard training. Over the years, Sowers Action has been steadfast in supporting underprivileged children both in Hong Kong and overseas. In recent years, the organization has also refocused its efforts locally, including the establishment of a support centre in Sham Shui Po to assist grassroots families. This year, the event is expected to raise over one million Hong Kong dollars, a strong reflection of the city’s spirit of compassion and community engagement. In addition to the popular 3 km Family Run, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the six disciplined services and two auxiliary services under the Security Bureau for forming multiple teams to take part in the 42 km race, together with youth uniformed groups — jointly passing on the spirit of charity and service. Every participant, regardless of ranking, has already made a meaningful contribution to children’s education through their actions. This truly embodies the event’s mission of ‘Changing Lives Through Running’.”

This year’s event raised funds for Sowers Action’s Education Assistance Program for Underprivileged Students. All proceeds will support initiatives improving learning conditions and educational facilities both locally and abroad. Past projects have funded teacher development, school renovation, and the purchase of learning equipment — enabling students from deprived backgrounds to continue their studies under better conditions. Sowers Action has provided educational support in mainland China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, and Nepal. As of June 2025, its total funding contributions have exceeded HK$794 million.

At the same time, the event promotes public awareness of mountain and outdoor safety. Since the HKSOS mobile application launch in January 2024, it has successfully assisted 247 individuals in distress, demonstrating the importance of safety knowledge in outdoor activities.

To encourage family engagement, this year’s race continued to feature the 3km Family Fun Run, enabling parents and children to enjoy outdoor exercise while supporting a good cause.Now in its 27th year, the Challenging 12 Hours Charity Trail Marathon has drawn over 40,000 total participants and raised more than HK$55 million for educational projects, benefiting over 500,000 children in need.

This year’s race achieved remarkable results. In the 42 km category, Yip Tung Hoi claimed the Men’s Championship with an impressive finishing time of 4 hours, 24 minutes and 46 seconds, while Ng Chin Nam won the Women’s Championship in 5 hours, 9 minutes and 22 seconds. The result for the Team Relay Champion is “Team A”, comprising Lai Ka Pak、Swalikh Mohammed 、Chan Yu Fai、Tam Sze Huang, who completed the race in 7 hours, 4 minutes and 56 seconds.

In the 28 km race, Lee Ho Tin took the Men’s title in 2 hours, 25 minutes and 13 seconds, while Dau Wing Sze finished first in the Women’s category with a time of 2 hours, 57 minutes and 41 seconds. The Open Team Champion was “Team TNF”, comprising Chong Chak Long, Huang Tsz Hei, Chung Kam Ho and Chan Chin Shing, who completed the race in 3 hours, 8 minutes and 46 seconds.

For the 14 km race, Zeng Tsz Shing won the Men’s Championship with a time of 58 minutes and 27 seconds, while Lee Tsz Tung secured the Women’s title in 1 hour, 10 minutes and 44 seconds. In the Open Team Category, Team “Walk Faster! Hey!” finished first with a time of 1 hour, 33 minutes and 59 seconds.

The 3 km Family Run was also filled with laughter and joy, as father-and-son duo Tsang Pui Yat and Tsang Siu Keung — one of this year’s event ambassadors — finished first with a remarkable time of 14 minutes and 29 seconds, taking home the Family Category Championship.

The event was supported by numerous generous sponsors, including China Mobile Limited as Diamond Sponsor, ICAP as Trail Section Sponsor, COSCO SHIPPING International (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. as Gold Sponsor, and Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund, Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings, The Overlander, VÅGA, Medik Pro Group, Regenflex, Bright Future Pharmaceutical Laboratories Limited, SPEEDTOX, Acti-Tape, and others as Silver Sponsors.

Bronze Sponsors included Po Lin Monastery, Shang Sin Chun Tong Charitable Foundation, VTech Holdings Limited, Beijing Enterprises Holdings Limited, New Town Medical, Cool Partners International Limited, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc., HILX, Nutriworks Limited, Tiger Balm, Chuan Tong Natural Fermented Yogurt Limited, Legacy Footcare and HMN International Smart Co., Limited. Dozens of volunteers from various organizations and government departments served along the trail, providing water, snacks, timekeeping, and first aid support — ensuring every participant could complete their race safely and enjoyably.

Hashtag: #SowerAction

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

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