https://www.scmp.com/rss/322431/feed The latest news, analysis and opinion on SCMP. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Vanessa Cai Vanessa Cai China’s diplomatic strategy has undergone a conspicuous shift, with Beijing conducting far fewer overseas state visits, opting instead to welcome a steady stream of foreign leaders to the capital. According to data compiled by the South China Morning Post, Beijing is placing greater emphasis on neighbourhood diplomacy and engagement with European middle powers. The changing dynamic reflects Beijing’s shift towards favouring high-level multilateralism, in a sign of growing confidence and an... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3352060/see-you-beijing-big-shift-xis-travel-plans-and-what-it-means-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3352060/see-you-beijing-big-shift-xis-travel-plans-and-what-it-means-china?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:00:16 +0000 Minxiao Chang Minxiao Chang Three Chinese companies – Alibaba Group Holding, ByteDance and Zhipu AI – have been named among Time magazine’s “10 Most Influential AI Companies of 2026”, marking the first time the publication has introduced an artificial intelligence-specific sub-list under its broader Time100 Most Influential Companies ranking. Of the remaining seven companies on the list, six are based in the US, while France’s Mistral AI is the only European representative. The launch of a dedicated AI ranking underscores... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3351823/chinas-alibaba-bytedance-and-zhipu-ai-make-cut-times-first-ai-list?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3351823/chinas-alibaba-bytedance-and-zhipu-ai-make-cut-times-first-ai-list?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:34:33 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Why Indonesia is ceding its role as Asean’s natural leader to Singapore 2. Why Japan’s earthquake has Bali on edge over magnitude 9 ‘megathrust’ risk 3. 3 killed in Japanese Type 10 tank blast that has military baffled 4. This retiree in the Philippines downloaded an... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3351648/aseans-natural-leader-bali-edge-over-japanese-earthquake-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3351648/aseans-natural-leader-bali-edge-over-japanese-earthquake-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:18:41 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu The reserves of Hong Kong’s largest international school group have more than tripled to HK$3.75 billion (US$480.8 million) in over a decade, even as it taps different income sources to offset shrinking government subsidies, the South China Morning Post has found by reviewing the organisation’s annual reports. The English Schools Foundation (ESF) also said in its annual report for the 2024-25 academic year that it expected increased competition for students and it would modernise its marketing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3351498/esf-reserves-reach-hk375-billion-even-government-subsidies-shrink?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3351498/esf-reserves-reach-hk375-billion-even-government-subsidies-shrink?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:30:09 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters The South China Morning Post has won 74 awards at the 47th edition of the Society for News Design’s Creative Competition, including three silver and 11 bronze medals. An infographic on Hong Kong’s fencing boom was a stand-out winner in results announced by the society on Friday, earning three silver and one bronze medal. “It’s a great honour to receive these awards that are often called the ‘Oscars of visual journalism’. This global recognition reflects the hard work and innovation happening in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351415/scmp-scoops-74-awards-led-hong-kong-fencing-infographic-design-competition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351415/scmp-scoops-74-awards-led-hong-kong-fencing-infographic-design-competition?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2026 08:14:12 +0000 Ben Jiang Ben Jiang China’s top market regulator will launch a six-month crackdown on the country’s internet advertising sector, targeting malpractices including the misuse of artificial intelligence, in what it described as its first campaign to clean up the broader online advertising ecosystem. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) said on Thursday that the campaign comes as new risks – from AI misuse to traffic-driven marketing tactics – emerge alongside long-standing issues, even as data and... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3351202/beijing-moves-clean-online-ad-ecosystem-first-its-kind-campaign?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3351202/beijing-moves-clean-online-ad-ecosystem-first-its-kind-campaign?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:03:24 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu A Hong Kong film adapted from the 2010 Manila hostage crisis, which led to the deaths of eight Hongkongers, has stirred online debate, with some questioning whether it could cause “secondary trauma” and others saying it offers lessons from the past. Titled Beyond Hostage Crisis, the film was released in Malaysia in April and is set to open in Hong Kong on May 28. Information about the 90-minute film starring newly crowned Hong Kong Film Awards best actress Fish Liew Chi-yu is available on the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351071/film-manila-hostage-crisis-sparks-debate-over-secondary-trauma-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3351071/film-manila-hostage-crisis-sparks-debate-over-secondary-trauma-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:47:32 +0000 SCMP Reporter SCMP Reporter The South China Morning Post received six honours at the State Street Institutional Press Awards Asia-Pacific 2025 on Tuesday. The awards, which recognise outstanding news reporting on institutional finance across Asia-Pacific (APAC), drew a record 246 submissions this year from eight economies – mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and France. Most notably, SCMP veteran Enoch Yiu received the Outstanding Contribution to Institutional Journalism Award. The... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350897/scmps-original-finance-reporting-honoured-state-street-institutional-press-awards?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3350897/scmps-original-finance-reporting-honoured-state-street-institutional-press-awards?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:00:18 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Singapore balances national interest with rising anti-US sentiment In a rare public protest in Singapore, hundreds gathered in Hong Lim Park over the weekend to denounce the “US war machine”. They brandished placards and banners, including one with horns drawn on US... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3350808/singapores-us-interest-balancing-act-viral-songkran-clash-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3350808/singapores-us-interest-balancing-act-viral-songkran-clash-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:15:10 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong authorities have arrested five men at registered pharmacies and seized thousands of unregistered anti-obesity medicines and boxes of slimming injections, vowing to launch more joint operations to clamp down on illegal sales across the city. The Department of Health said on Monday evening that an enforcement operation with the police last Friday at a registered pharmacy in Sha Tin district led to four arrests and the seizure of over 400 tablets of clonazepam, more than 2,700 tablets of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3350832/5-arrested-hong-kong-pharmacies-thousands-anti-obesity-and-dangerous-drugs-seized?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3350832/5-arrested-hong-kong-pharmacies-thousands-anti-obesity-and-dangerous-drugs-seized?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:19:26 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow The owner of a luxury home at a seaside estate in Hong Kong has been fined HK$110,000 (US$14,039) for building illegal structures and a swimming pool following a government crackdown triggered by a record-breaking rainstorm and an investigation by the South China Morning Post. Sunset Boulevard Company, which owns House No 76 at Redhill Peninsula, the luxury low-rise estate in Tai Tam, was sentenced at Eastern Court on Thursday. The private firm, founded in 1995, lists Hong Kong resident Marc... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3350354/owner-luxury-hong-kong-home-fined-hk110000-over-illegal-structures-pool?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3350354/owner-luxury-hong-kong-home-fined-hk110000-over-illegal-structures-pool?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:22:38 +0000 Vincent Chow Vincent Chow US artificial intelligence start-up Anthropic’s move to introduce real-name identity verification has triggered alarm in China, raising the prospect that access to its tools could be cut off entirely and prompting black-market vendors to scramble for workarounds. The shift highlights the strong demand for Anthropic’s Claude models in China, despite an official ban that also covers Hong Kong and Macau. The company said the restrictions were necessary for national security reasons amid... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3350321/black-market-workarounds-claude-scale-anthropic-tightens-id-checks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3350321/black-market-workarounds-claude-scale-anthropic-tightens-id-checks?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:00:10 +0000 Wasi Mirza Wasi Mirza With the rise of social media and generative AI, how much of what we see online is true? In this series, SCMP Fact-Check, the South China Morning Post investigates claims circulating online and debunks viral misinformation impacting the daily lives of Hongkongers. A video circulating online amid the US-Israel war on Iran falsely claims to show a downed American pilot captured alive by Iranians. “Iranians Captured F35 Pilot alive,” read the caption of a Facebook reel. The video appeared to show a... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3350286/video-iran-capturing-us-pilot-was-filmed-pakistan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3350286/video-iran-capturing-us-pilot-was-filmed-pakistan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:20:07 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Rumours of LIV Golf’s demise have been greatly exaggerated according to sources close to the league’s operations, who pushed back at the swirling speculation that has dominated the sport for the past day. Several normally credible accounts on social media had claimed the league was on the verge of collapse, while The Daily Telegraph reported that LIV executives had been summoned to an emergency meeting in New York, and the Financial Times said Saudi Arabia’s Private Investment Fund, which backs... https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3350233/liv-golf-going-ahead-full-throttle-staff-told-league-pushes-back-rumours-demise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/golf/article/3350233/liv-golf-going-ahead-full-throttle-staff-told-league-pushes-back-rumours-demise?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:49:59 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong police intercepted a Maserati on a busy street in Mong Kok on Wednesday and arrested two people in connection with a suspected money laundering case, the South China Morning Post has learned. A man and a woman in their twenties, their faces concealed by black hoods, were seen standing beside the luxury sports car as officers from the New Territories North regional headquarters searched the vehicle on Sai Yeung Choi Street South outside the Pakpolee Commercial Centre in the afternoon,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3350207/hong-kong-police-intercept-maserati-arrest-2-over-suspected-money-laundering?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3350207/hong-kong-police-intercept-maserati-arrest-2-over-suspected-money-laundering?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:01:27 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Hong Kong singer Hins Cheung’s new role as a mentor and volunteer for the Security Bureau’s youth rehabilitation programme has sent shock waves through his fan base. For years, the singer was celebrated not just for his vocal skills but also for his perceived alignment with backers of the city’s social movements. The South China Morning Post unpacks how the controversy exploded. 1. Who is Hins Cheung? Born in 1981 in Guangzhou, Cheung moved to Hong Kong in 2002 to launch his Cantopop career and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3349800/why-cantopop-star-hins-cheungs-new-mentor-role-has-polarised-hong-kong-fans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3349800/why-cantopop-star-hins-cheungs-new-mentor-role-has-polarised-hong-kong-fans?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:11:53 +0000 Iris Deng Iris Deng Yang Zhilin, founder of fast-rising start-up Moonshot AI, has become the latest artificial intelligence entrepreneur to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang, as Beijing steps up its push to accelerate the digital transformation of manufacturing. The 32-year-old was among a select group of business leaders and experts invited to a high-level symposium on Friday, where participants offered views on China’s economic resilience and future growth drivers. Li acknowledged that the external environment had... https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3349707/chinas-li-qiang-urges-faster-industrial-ai-adoption-meeting-moonshot-ai-founder?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/article/3349707/chinas-li-qiang-urges-faster-industrial-ai-adoption-meeting-moonshot-ai-founder?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:30:08 +0000 Sue Ng Sue Ng A major Hong Kong catering and restaurant conglomerate has stepped up its annual fundraising efforts to provide emergency relief to those affected by the deadly Tai Po fire and long-term community projects for vulnerable groups. For more than 18 years, Maxim’s Group has supported Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an annual charitable fundraising initiative organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK. “The (OSC’s) mission of ‘unlocking the city’s spirit of giving’ strongly... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348932/operation-santa-claus-maxims-ramps-programmes-fundraising-tai-po-fire-victims?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348932/operation-santa-claus-maxims-ramps-programmes-fundraising-tai-po-fire-victims?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:52:23 +0000 Eunice Xu Eunice Xu China’s southern tech hub Shenzhen began operations of the country’s first 10,000-card intelligent computing cluster, built with advanced chips made by Huawei Technologies, in the latest sign of how the country is deepening its push for home-grown computing capabilities. Featuring a computing capacity of 11,000 petaflops, the new cluster, activated last week, is the country’s first 10,000-card intelligent computing cluster built with Huawei’s Ascend 910C AI chips, according to Shenzhen Special... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3348502/shenzhen-activates-chinas-first-10000-card-ai-cluster-domestic-chips?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3348502/shenzhen-activates-chinas-first-10000-card-ai-cluster-domestic-chips?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:08 +0000 SCMP SCMP Navigating the future of education Widely recognised for his monumental contributions to mathematics and his deep academic roots in both the US and China, Professor Shing-Tung Yau, chair of Tsinghua University’s Qiuzhen College, will delve into the critical issues shaping the future of global talent. The event is designed to move beyond general headlines, providing an in-depth understanding of systemic educational differences, the race for fundamental science talent, and his unique educational... https://www.scmp.com/announcements/article/3348545/scmp-plus-exclusive-meet-shing-tung-yau-person?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/announcements/article/3348545/scmp-plus-exclusive-meet-shing-tung-yau-person?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:24:42 +0000 Kandy Wong Kandy Wong Welcome to Open Dialogue, a series from the South China Morning Post where we bring together leading voices to discuss the stories and subjects occupying international headlines. In this edition, we invited a prominent industry player and economist to reflect on the role of stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies or other assets. They discuss the differing approaches of China and the United States, as well as Hong Kong’s role in China’s strategy, as the city is expected to issue... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3347710/gary-liu-and-liu-xiaochun-what-role-stablecoins-could-play-china-and-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3347710/gary-liu-and-liu-xiaochun-what-role-stablecoins-could-play-china-and-us?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:00:28 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow A former Hong Kong civil servant has been jailed for 12 months for threatening to burn down the newsrooms of the South China Morning Post and five other media outlets if they refused to publish seditious material he had created to frame the husband of his former girlfriend. West Kowloon Court on Tuesday heard the guilty pleas from Tse Chun-pan, 43, who had set up a website selling merchandise themed around the 2019 anti-government protests and demanded that six local media publish screenshots of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347751/jealous-hongkonger-who-threatened-burn-6-media-newsrooms-jailed-1-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3347751/jealous-hongkonger-who-threatened-burn-6-media-newsrooms-jailed-1-year?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:44:07 +0000 Charmaine Yu Charmaine Yu If he had to pick one word, Jean-Claude Van Damme says he would describe his oil paintings as “simple”. The star of Bloodsport (1988) had swaggered into his art exhibition 40 minutes late, clad in full black, including the sunglasses he wore indoors. At 65 years old, the “Muscles from Brussels” still has a similar physique to the one at the height of his martial arts acting fame, though his hair is sparser and his gait less brazen. A long-time admirer of Sylvester Stallone, the Belgian-born... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3346726/jean-claude-van-damme-talks-art-hong-kong-filmmakers-and-good-friend-vladimir-putin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3346726/jean-claude-van-damme-talks-art-hong-kong-filmmakers-and-good-friend-vladimir-putin?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Setting the right direction has never been more essential as Hong Kong navigates a critical and transformative stage under the country’s new five-year development plan. In this regard, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po delivered a timely and vital reassurance that the city positions itself as a key driver for the country’s development, far more than just a testing ground for experimental initiatives. Hong Kong’s strong economic fundamentals and international connectivity give it an edge in... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346071/hong-kong-has-much-gain-aligning-chinas-national-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346071/hong-kong-has-much-gain-aligning-chinas-national-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:15:07 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong police have arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of animal cruelty in connection with graphic images and videos circulating online that depicted degrading acts, including sexual abuse, against cats, the South China Morning Post has learned. A source said police arrested the boy on Tuesday, after authorities in mainland China conducted an investigation into the online images. Mainland police launched the probe after a series of animal abuse videos and photos were posted online in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3345314/hong-kong-boy-14-held-over-online-videos-photos-depicting-abuse-cats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3345314/hong-kong-boy-14-held-over-online-videos-photos-depicting-abuse-cats?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:24:40 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft More than 400 Hongkongers have reported being stranded in the Middle East after major airspace closures triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted dozens of flights between the city and the region. There are no signs yet of when they might return home, even as major transit hubs including Dubai airports resumed limited operations. US President Donald Trump has said military operations could last for weeks amid retaliation from Iran. The Security Bureau maintained a “red” warning for Iran... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345283/what-hong-kong-travellers-stuck-middle-east-need-do-war-spirals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345283/what-hong-kong-travellers-stuck-middle-east-need-do-war-spirals?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:03 +0000 Khushboo Razdan Khushboo Razdan In Washington, a city often in the spotlight for domestic and international politics, Hong Kong pianist Aristo Sham views his instrument as a platform that can bridge cultures, transcend politics and connect people across borders. At 28, fresh from a landmark international competition victory, Sham is building a global career where his music often speaks louder than diplomacy. On Wednesday, just before stepping onto the stage at the US capital’s Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium for a Year of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3344943/hong-kong-pianist-aristo-sham-brings-music-and-message-openness-washington?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3344943/hong-kong-pianist-aristo-sham-brings-music-and-message-openness-washington?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:54:49 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The worst of times can bring out the best in people. They are the ultimate test of the spirit of Hong Kong – the resilience and mutual support in adversity for which the city is renowned. If any evidence were needed that it prevails, it was to be found at the annual celebration of some outstanding examples – the 13th Spirit of Hong Kong Awards co-organised by the South China Morning Post and Sino Group. The awards recognise unsung heroes who contribute to the community or inspire us with stories... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3344688/spirit-hong-kong-awards-celebration-citys-unsung-heroes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3344688/spirit-hong-kong-awards-celebration-citys-unsung-heroes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Meredith Chen Meredith Chen Chinese AI tools have come under fire for allowing deepfake images that critics say are a form of “digital public shaming” targeting women. Free Nora, a grass-roots feminist media collective in China, reported last week that many internet users had been exploiting the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Doubao to generate non-consensual pornographic images of real women. “In the shadowy corners of social media, a large-scale ‘digital public shaming’ campaign targeting ordinary women has quietly... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3344740/digital-public-shaming-chinese-ai-tools-under-fire-pornographic-deepfakes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3344740/digital-public-shaming-chinese-ai-tools-under-fire-pornographic-deepfakes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:57 +0000 Vincent Chow Vincent Chow US private equity firm General Atlantic is selling an equity stake in TikTok owner ByteDance in a deal that raises its valuation of the private Chinese company to US$550 billion, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing two unnamed sources. The deal, still pending, confirms a previous report by the South China Morning Post in December that ByteDance’s valuation had surged to US$500 billion on the private market, up from US$400 billion as recently as the second quarter of 2025. General Atlantic... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3344631/bytedance-valuation-said-hit-record-us550-billion-proposed-equity-sale?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3344631/bytedance-valuation-said-hit-record-us550-billion-proposed-equity-sale?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 12:00:17 +0000 Yating Yang Yating Yang To welcome the arrival of spring, Chinese people across the nation observe a series of seasonal rituals such as Biting the Spring, Whipping the Spring and Speaking the Spring. The customs reflect people’s hopes for renewal, good fortune and a prosperous farming year, while also marking the transition from winter stillness to spring vitality. The SCMP explains why. Biting the spring Known as Yao Chun in Chinese, this is a traditional custom that involves eating seasonal foods such as spring... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3343047/how-chinese-people-overcome-challenges-eating-and-whipping-spring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/article/3343047/how-chinese-people-overcome-challenges-eating-and-whipping-spring?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:00:09 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso Style by SCMP celebrated its 20th anniversary with a star-studded party at Grand Majestic Sichuan on Wednesday, attended by the likes of Hong Kong luminaries like designer Vivienne Tam and entrepreneur Kevin Poon, celebrities Elva Ni and Grace Chan, and star athletes Ryan Choi and Cecilia Yeung. Over two decades of editorial excellence were on full display in a special exhibition showcasing the cultural milestones that have come to shape luxury fashion – and the pages of our magazine – over the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/luxury-news/article/3343297/inside-style-scmps-star-studded-20th-anniversary-party-bmw-saicho-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/luxury-news/article/3343297/inside-style-scmps-star-studded-20th-anniversary-party-bmw-saicho-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 08:11:20 +0000 Kolette Lim Kolette Lim Indonesia’s economy stands to gain from its partnership with mainland China and Hong Kong through increased investments and lessons learned from improving capital markets, industry insiders and observers have said. Shinta Kamdani, coordinating vice-chairwoman for human development, culture and sustainable development at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), on Tuesday pointed to financial hub Hong Kong as being able to provide Indonesia access to the sprawling mainland Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3343092/indonesias-economy-tipped-gain-deeper-mainland-china-hong-kong-ties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3343092/indonesias-economy-tipped-gain-deeper-mainland-china-hong-kong-ties?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:00:25 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Takaichi sweeps election with historic win 2. ‘Dominated by non-Malays’: study on elected Kuala Lumpur mayor spurs race debate 3. ‘Not political gift’: sultan’s comment on pardons stirs debate over Najib’s case 4. Japan set to revive WWII military... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3343003/japans-takaichi-sweeps-election-kuala-lumpur-mayoral-ethnicity-debate-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3343003/japans-takaichi-sweeps-election-kuala-lumpur-mayoral-ethnicity-debate-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:30:10 +0000 Jean Iau Jean Iau Indonesia is ready to build on its “strong relationship” with mainland China, its top economic minister has said, while Beijing is committed to upholding fairness and stability amid global uncertainty, according to Hong Kong’s former leader Leung Chun-ying. Airlangga Hartarto and Leung were speaking on Tuesday at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Southeast Asia 2026, held in Jakarta. Leung, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3342987/china-pair-steady-hands-amid-uncertainty-hong-kongs-cy-leung-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3342987/china-pair-steady-hands-amid-uncertainty-hong-kongs-cy-leung-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 02:34:29 +0000 Ambrose Li,Oscar Liu Ambrose Li,Oscar Liu Advertisements for potentially illegal mainland Chinese cleaning services targeting Hong Kong households ahead of Lunar New Year remain available on social media platform RedNote despite recent arrests by the city’s immigration authorities, the South China Morning Post has found. In a related development, the Federation of Hong Kong Food and Beverage Industries Trade Unions on Tuesday also pointed to a surge in posts by Shenzhen-based chefs openly advertising private catering services across the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342956/suspected-illegal-cleaning-services-targeting-hongkongers-still-listed-online?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342956/suspected-illegal-cleaning-services-targeting-hongkongers-still-listed-online?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:30:17 +0000 Gloria Tso Gloria Tso Style by SCMP turns 20 this year. In celebration of this momentous milestone, our special anniversary issue hitting news-stands this Friday, February 13, features many bright talents who have helped make Hong Kong – and the wider Asia region – a creative powerhouse over the past two decades. That includes pre-eminent tastemakers like designer Barney Cheng and supermodel Qiqi Yam, as well as next-gen talents like Andrew and Tate Mok of local creative duo OffgodTate. As we sit back and ready... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/luxury-news/article/3342875/style-scmp-turns-20-we-look-back-our-archive-covers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/luxury-news/article/3342875/style-scmp-turns-20-we-look-back-our-archive-covers?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:15:25 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma The whistle-blower behind a suspected cheating scandal involving an award-winning medical prescription app developed by a student has been arrested for doxxing. Hailey Cheng Hei-lam posted a short message on her social media accounts on Friday morning, saying she had been arrested in connection with the MediSafe saga. The posts included a photo showing a Notice to Arrested Persons with her birth name. “Due to legal and procedural considerations, at this stage I will not be able to make any... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342626/hong-kong-whistle-blower-ai-app-medisafe-saga-arrested-alleged-doxxing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342626/hong-kong-whistle-blower-ai-app-medisafe-saga-arrested-alleged-doxxing?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 06:50:42 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal This article has been withdrawn. https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3342525/did-blackpinks-jisoo-splash-out-us57-million-2-hong-kong-trophy-homes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3342525/did-blackpinks-jisoo-splash-out-us57-million-2-hong-kong-trophy-homes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:30:54 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Thai police have helped Hong Kong authorities in arresting two fugitives, including a murder suspect who had been on the run for more than three decades, the city’s police chief has said. Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming said on Thursday that the two local suspects were wanted in separate cases – a murder 37 years ago and a robbery. “We had intelligence suggesting [the murder suspect] was hiding in Thailand, our colleagues handed over information to Thai police for follow-up action,”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342518/murder-suspect-captured-thailand-set-be-handed-back-hong-kong-authorities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342518/murder-suspect-captured-thailand-set-be-handed-back-hong-kong-authorities?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:25:19 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok A 62-year-old man who fled Hong Kong after a brutal murder on a Sai Kung beach nearly 37 years ago has been arrested in Thailand and will be extradited back to the city on Thursday, the South China Morning Post has learned. Mui Yiu-keung was reportedly detained on Monday at a house in Bangkok’s Nong Chok district. Thai police said the arrest was made at the request of Hong Kong authorities, who had been pursuing the last of four suspects linked to the killing of a man at Lung Ha Wan beach in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342391/hong-kong-murder-suspect-arrested-after-37-years-run-be-extradited?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3342391/hong-kong-murder-suspect-arrested-after-37-years-run-be-extradited?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:56:34 +0000 Cindy Sui Cindy Sui Hong Kong’s annual fundraiser, Operation Santa Claus (OSC), has wrapped up its campaign this year, raising more than HK$19 million (US$2.4 million) for charitable projects and victims of the Tai Po fire – nearly double its target. The campaign, launched on November 4, had aimed to raise at least HK$11 million for 13 charitable projects. However, fundraising intensified less than three weeks later, after the Tai Po fire broke out on November 26. An emergency appeal was launched to raise funds to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342273/operation-santa-claus-raises-hk19-million-hong-kong-fire-victims-other-causes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342273/operation-santa-claus-raises-hk19-million-hong-kong-fire-victims-other-causes?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 12:58:16 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu All teachers in Hong Kong will be required to renew a newly proposed practising certificate every three years to continue teaching, with the plan to take effect as early as the 2027-28 academic year, the South China Morning Post has learned. Sources also said on Thursday that substitute teachers would have to obtain these certificates through special arrangements. The measure is expected to affect more than 70,000 teachers in Hong Kong. According to the Education Bureau, the move is to ensure... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3341674/hong-kong-teachers-required-renew-practising-certificates-every-3-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3341674/hong-kong-teachers-required-renew-practising-certificates-every-3-years?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:26:20 +0000 Alexander Mak Alexander Mak Freezing temperatures are rare in Hong Kong, and frost is rarer still. But in decades past, a handful of particularly cold days transformed Tai Mo Shan into an ice-crusted winterscape. Here’s a look back at how South China Morning Post photographers captured Hong Kong’s frostiest moments from the 1970s to the 2010s. https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3340631/pictures-hong-kongs-coldest-days-1970s-2010s?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3340631/pictures-hong-kongs-coldest-days-1970s-2010s?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:15:07 +0000 Iris Deng Iris Deng Hong Kong and Shenzhen are establishing a white list for data transfers as part of an overarching effort to forge closer cross-border ties, which policymakers and business leaders see as essential to unlocking opportunities in artificial intelligence and fintech in the region. “If you have a white list to facilitate the movement of sensitive data, biological data and samples between Hong Kong and [mainland] China, it would ensure trust between [parties sending and receiving information] because... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3340022/hong-kong-shenzhen-push-secure-data-corridor-unlock-ai-and-fintech-opportunities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3340022/hong-kong-shenzhen-push-secure-data-corridor-unlock-ai-and-fintech-opportunities?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jan 2026 10:00:49 +0000 Zhou Xin Zhou Xin Hong Kong and Shenzhen can work closely to empower finance with artificial intelligence, delegates said on Thursday at the China Conference: Greater Bay Area, an event hosted by the South China Morning Post. Joseph Chan Ho-lim, undersecretary for Financial Services and the Treasury in the Hong Kong government, said Hong Kong and Shenzhen were seeking deeper cooperation between finance and technology. Chan said at the event in Qianhai, a bonded zone in Shenzhen, that Hong Kong, as a... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3339943/hong-kong-and-shenzhen-forge-close-ties-finance-and-ai-build-world-class-fintech-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3339943/hong-kong-and-shenzhen-forge-close-ties-finance-and-ai-build-world-class-fintech-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Jan 2026 02:13:48 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Malaysia’s tourism minister urges warmer welcomes after ‘less than friendly’ complaints 2. Japan’s shoplifters hate a simple ‘hello’ more than cameras 3. Debate on Singapore’s elite schools flares as ex-student recalls ‘privileged’ years 4. Netflix-Warner deal sparks... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3338851/singapores-elite-schools-spark-debate-concern-domestic-helpers-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3338851/singapores-elite-schools-spark-debate-concern-domestic-helpers-7-asia-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 04:15:09 +0000 Alexander Mak Alexander Mak For nearly 50 years, the New Year Winter Swimming Lifesaving Championships have represented a tradition of courage in Hong Kong, challenging participants with a 600-metre course from Middle Bay Beach to Repulse Bay Jetty. The fastest swimmers are crowned champions in various age groups and categories, including student and open divisions. Join us as we delve into the South China Morning Post’s picture archives, featuring generations of brave swimmers plunging into icy waters on the first day of... https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3338235/pictures-hong-kong-swimmers-braving-cold-new-years-day-1970s-2000s?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3338235/pictures-hong-kong-swimmers-braving-cold-new-years-day-1970s-2000s?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Dec 2025 22:00:10 +0000 Sue Ng Sue Ng Cheers and joy filled the air at a fundraising table tennis competition in Hong Kong, as more than 250 adults and students picked up their paddles to play with heart for a good cause. Now in its second year, the Charity Table Tennis Tournament, organised by the Hong Kong Table Tennis Forum (HKTTF), was held at Luen Wo Hui Sports Centre in Fanling on December 7. The enrolment fees, including 20 per cent of proceeds from singles and doubles, and 50 per cent from corporate teams, have been donated... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337966/operation-santa-claus-hong-kong-table-tennis-lovers-serve-it-charity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337966/operation-santa-claus-hong-kong-table-tennis-lovers-serve-it-charity?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Dec 2025 02:05:06 +0000 Alexander Mak Alexander Mak The 1970s, 80s and 90s were decades in which December grew into a lively festival season in Hong Kong – one that blended Western traditions with the city’s unique charms. Here’s how South China Morning Post photographers captured some of that Christmas magic. Christmas shopping Sending Christmas cards Enjoying the Christmas lights Feasting for Christmas https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3336997/pictures-how-hong-kong-celebrated-christmas-1970s-90s?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3336997/pictures-how-hong-kong-celebrated-christmas-1970s-90s?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:15:08 +0000