Talking points

Hong Kong soccer fans get a close-up glimpse of some of the English Premier League's biggest stars in action when the Barclays Asia Trophy kicks off. South China's strikers face the ominous task of trying to get past England keeper Joe Hart as they take on Manchester City, though unfortunately Tottenham's Gareth Bale will miss today's semi-finals due to a training injury, though he may return for Saturday's finals.

A government advisory committee studying the possibility of introducing standard working hours laws in Hong Kong holds its second meeting. The 24-strong committee chaired by Dr Leong Che-hung will consider the benefits and disadvantages of standardising hours over three years. The idea is enthusiastically supported by unions but opposed by the business community, which says it will greatly increase costs.