https://www.scmp.com/rss/322467/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com As Uber continues its uphill battle to gain a legal foothold in Hong Kong, the American company’s Chinese rival, which drove it out of the mainland a few years ago, has announced plans to expand by launching services in Mexico. That expansion marks another important milestone in a journey that began in 2015, when two companies who provided online taxi-hailing services through the Didi Dache and Kuaidi Dache apps merged to form Didi Chuxing. What is less known about the creation of China’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/2144658/now-golden-time-be-involved-china-says-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/2144658/now-golden-time-be-involved-china-says-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 May 2018 06:00:32 +0000 Hong Kong’s retail sales jumped 11.4 per cent in March, the second-biggest year-on-year upsurge since 2015, as the industry benefited from robust tourism and upbeat consumer sentiment. Disregarding fluctuations caused by holiday shopping sprees during months in which the Lunar New Year fell, the increase was the biggest since June 2013, further confirming speculation that the sector was on track for a full recovery. A government spokesman expected the near-term outlook to remain optimistic,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/2144583/retail-sales-jump-114-cent-hong-kong-shopping?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/2144583/retail-sales-jump-114-cent-hong-kong-shopping?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 May 2018 13:03:27 +0000 Hong Kong’s retailers and tourism-dependent businesses are expecting booming sales over the coming days, with bumper crowds at major shopping districts as cash-rich visitors from mainland China flock to the city for the Labour Day holidays, also known as “mini-Golden Week”. The buoyancy was underlined on Monday by the latest tourist arrival figures, which jumped 8.9 per cent to 4.99 million year on year amid a recent recovery since a significant downturn in 2015. Hong Kong sales recovery has... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/2144096/mini-golden-week-bring-shopping-boom-cash-rich?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/2144096/mini-golden-week-bring-shopping-boom-cash-rich?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Apr 2018 15:30:30 +0000 A measles outbreak in southern Japan has prompted one Hong Kong travel agent to cancel several trips it had planned to the area. Nearly 70 people in the popular tourist destination of Okinawa have contracted the highly infectious disease, local government officials said. However, a leading city doctor has said he is “not too worried” about the outbreak, and some 270 travellers were still scheduled to leave Hong Kong for the region before the end of April. According to the Travel Industry... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2142868/measles-outbreak-japan-puts-travel-plans-hong-kong-tour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2142868/measles-outbreak-japan-puts-travel-plans-hong-kong-tour?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Apr 2018 03:04:36 +0000 Taxi industry representatives in Hong Kong renewed their calls on Sunday to crack down on illegal ride-hailing services, days after a private car used for Uber was involved in a fatal accident. The accident, which left one dead and four others injured, was the first in the city to involve an operating Uber vehicle, and has sparked a debate if – and to what extent – the company would compensate those affected. About 30 taxi drivers and owners staged a protest on Sunday by parking a dozen cabs... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2142824/hong-kong-taxi-drivers-stage-protest-over-illegal-ride?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2142824/hong-kong-taxi-drivers-stage-protest-over-illegal-ride?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Apr 2018 11:04:40 +0000 Fans of Ocean Park’s panda pair Ying Ying and Le Le are expecting good news, as the park on Thursday announced the start of breeding season for two of its most recognisable mascots. Now into their eighth year of trying to conceive – either naturally or through artificial means – the pair, if successful, would give the city its first ever locally born panda cub.  Hopes were dashed last year after signs of Ying Ying becoming pregnant from artificial insemination turned out to be a phantom... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2142494/after-eight-years-waiting-will-hong-kongs-ocean-park-see?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2142494/after-eight-years-waiting-will-hong-kongs-ocean-park-see?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Apr 2018 00:02:12 +0000 Industry leaders have pushed back against an “unfair” proposal for a mandatory seven-day “cooling-off period” to allow Hong Kong shoppers signing up for pricey long-term contracts to call off their purchases unconditionally. Claiming it would penalise the entire industry – not just those using high-pressure sales tactics – as well as bringing financial instability to businesses, bosses vowed to challenge the government’s plan. The Consumer Council proposed the cooling-off period for five types... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2142396/regret-signing-gym-membership-new-law-may-soon-allow-u-turns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2142396/regret-signing-gym-membership-new-law-may-soon-allow-u-turns?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Apr 2018 05:00:15 +0000 Hong Kong regained the top spot last year as Asia’s most expensive city for business travellers, who faced daily expenses of HK$3,971 (US$506) on accommodation, transport, meals and incidentals. The city overtook Tokyo in the regional rankings, with Singapore and Seoul tied for third, while Shanghai – at number nine – was the only mainland Chinese city to crack the top 10. But Asia as a whole remained relatively cheap for business travel as Hong Kong was only the 29th most expensive location... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2142151/hong-kong-again-asias-most-expensive-city-business-travellers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2142151/hong-kong-again-asias-most-expensive-city-business-travellers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Apr 2018 11:55:09 +0000 Ann Hui On-wah’s wartime epic Our Time Will Come was the big winner at the 37th Hong Kong Film Awards on Sunday evening, bagging five awards out of 11 nominations, including best film and best director. Meanwhile, three of the four recipients of best actor and actress awards – whether in a leading or supporting role – were maiden winners, including Teresa Mo Sun-kwan, who finally got the nod in her third nomination for best actress. Paradox , which earned Louis Koo Tin-lok his first best actor... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2141806/fans-and-stars-gear-hong-kong-film-awards-our-time-will?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2141806/fans-and-stars-gear-hong-kong-film-awards-our-time-will?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Apr 2018 11:52:22 +0000 Hong Kong and mainland authorities are in talks to allow more construction professionals to work on either side of the border without taking additional tests to qualify, according to the city’s development chief. Secretary for Development Michael Wong Wai-lun made the announcement on Tuesday, but local industry members said in response they were not keen on working in mainland China because there was still a huge demand for such services in Hong Kong. Speaking on the last day of his three-day... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2141145/no-thanks-hong-kong-construction-professionals-say-when-told?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2141145/no-thanks-hong-kong-construction-professionals-say-when-told?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Apr 2018 01:01:39 +0000 The sea wall of an artificial island that makes up part of the cross-sea bridge infrastructure linking Hong Kong to Zhuhai and Macau is structurally sound and safe, the Hong Kong government confirmed on Monday after a site review, quashing concerns that it was drifting apart. Director of Highways Daniel Chung Kum-wah stressed that the structure completed last year had not deviated from its final design, and therefore no repairs were needed.  Chung, who paid a site visit the day before, said he... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2140957/no-repairs-needed-island-part-mega-bridge-hong-kong-highways?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2140957/no-repairs-needed-island-part-mega-bridge-hong-kong-highways?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Apr 2018 13:45:45 +0000 The head of Hong Kong’s rail operator has called accusations the company attempted to cover-up a derailing incident “unwise, illogical and unfair”. “The incident occurred after 9pm and we issued a press release around 3am the next morning. Isn’t that fast enough?” MTR Corporation chairman Frederick Ma Si-hang said, referring to a train that “shifted out of position” in the depot on Tuesday night. The MTR immediately suspended tests on the long-awaited high-speed rail link to Guangzhou until... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2140706/mtr-chief-frederick-ma-hits-back-criticism-over-derailing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2140706/mtr-chief-frederick-ma-hits-back-criticism-over-derailing?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Apr 2018 07:34:06 +0000 Safe to say, hoteliers in Hong Kong aren’t fans of the sharing economy. A leading hotel business group in the city has hit back at Airbnb, calling for harsh punishments to be levied on home-sharing hosts. The Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, which represents 90% of hotels in the city, has called on the government to come down harder on “illegal rentals” conducted through Airbnb. The group’s executive director Michael Li Hon-shing said that hoteliers had each invested tens of millions in... https://www.scmp.com/business/hong-kong-hotels-call-airbnb-crackdown/article/2140225?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/hong-kong-hotels-call-airbnb-crackdown/article/2140225?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Apr 2018 09:56:15 +0000 Hong Kong’s hoteliers have united to demand a law that would punish Airbnb users – hosts and guests – and allow authorities to raid flats suspected of being unlicensed holiday rentals. The Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, which represents 90 per cent of businesses in the industry, said on Tuesday while Airbnb was not a direct competitor, the home-sharing service was “simply illegal” and must be opposed “as a matter of principle”. Under the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2140163/hotel-operators-push-law-against-airbnb-hosts-and-users-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2140163/hotel-operators-push-law-against-airbnb-hosts-and-users-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Apr 2018 23:03:11 +0000 A feral cow was killed and another was injured after a car rammed into them on southern Lantau Island on Tuesday afternoon. Photos from a Facebook group set up by local residents showed one cow lying on the ground bleeding while three others surrounded it, as though they were trying to nudge it to get up. The cow, named Abby, according to the group, died at the scene. A touching scene: Hong Kong cattle try to save bull hit by a car The injured bovine was reportedly taken away by government... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2140161/car-rams-cattle-hong-kong-and-three-cows-who-make-narrow?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2140161/car-rams-cattle-hong-kong-and-three-cows-who-make-narrow?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Apr 2018 14:15:45 +0000 One might assume Lesley Suen, a senior executive at family-run retail powerhouse SML Group, has a story similar to many second-generation business leaders born into wealth and holding a plum position. But the 25-year-old Boston University public relations graduate, who started out in the advertising industry in New York, said she returned to Hong Kong not because of pressure from her father Simon Suen Siu-man, the group’s founder. “My father never asked whether I wanted to come back,” she said.... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2139952/how-advertising-executive-became-technology-leader-serving?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2139952/how-advertising-executive-became-technology-leader-serving?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Apr 2018 01:33:46 +0000 Hong Kong’s Communications Authority is inviting public opinion on whether rules for indirect advertising in television programmes should be relaxed. Proposed revisions include allowing product placements in current affairs shows so long as viewers are “clearly informed” beforehand. The debate is believed to be a response to growing pressure from a television industry struggling to remain profitable amid stiff competition from new media. TVB, Hong Kong’s largest broadcaster, posted a profit of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2139354/more-product-placements-could-be-coming-hong-kong-tv-shows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2139354/more-product-placements-could-be-coming-hong-kong-tv-shows?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Mar 2018 14:34:27 +0000 An area for mainland Chinese officials to enforce national laws at a rail terminus in Hong Kong will not operate under a lease agreement, as previously thought, sparking questions on whether the city was “ceding” land to the central government. Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan told lawmakers on Tuesday there would be a contract governing Beijing’s use of the area, but suggested it would not have a lease clause. “The acquisition of the right to use areas of the mainland port... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2139179/hong-kong-ceding-land-mainland-china-fears-grow-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2139179/hong-kong-ceding-land-mainland-china-fears-grow-after?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Mar 2018 01:00:41 +0000 Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has promised to make a decision “as soon as possible” on stopping employers from dipping into workers’ pension funds for severance and long-service payments. The chief executive said on Tuesday the controversial Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) offsetting mechanism had been undermining the benefits of retirement protection for employees, which was supposed to be “the very purpose of setting up” the scheme. Plans to scrap it have been in the works for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2139064/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-pledges-decision-soon-possible?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2139064/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-pledges-decision-soon-possible?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Mar 2018 04:45:30 +0000 Former Hong Kong financial secretary John Tsang Chun-wah announced plans to set up a fund to help aspiring entrepreneurs in the city on Monday. Revealing the idea in a Facebook interview with Citibank, Tsang said he hoped to use his network of contacts to help young people set up businesses. Tsang, who turns 67 next month, added he did not see himself as a retiree, more than a year since he resigned from the government to run for the city’s top job, ultimately losing to Chief Executive Carrie... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2138992/former-financial-secretary-john-tsang-looks-start-fund?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2138992/former-financial-secretary-john-tsang-looks-start-fund?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Mar 2018 23:01:17 +0000 Hong Kong’s largest pro-democracy party on Sunday rejected criticism that it was mingling too closely with the government when it accepted a donation from the city’s leader at a fundraiser. Democratic Party chairman Wu Chi-wai said the party would continue to “staunchly” criticise the government, despite many seeing the donation by Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor as an attempt to smooth relations between the sides. Lam made history last week by becoming the first chief executive to openly donate to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2138833/hong-kong-pro-democracy-party-defends-acceptance-donation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2138833/hong-kong-pro-democracy-party-defends-acceptance-donation?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Mar 2018 12:59:31 +0000 As Hong Kong seeks to fortify its position as an international financial centre, a high-level group comprising captains of various industries has been mobilised to chart new drivers of economic growth and help the city stay competitive. Among the star-studded cast of 36 advisers are Victor Li Tzar-kuoi, who has been anointed successor to his billionaire tycoon-father Li Ka-shing’s business empire; former chief secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen; recognised geneticist Tsui Lap-chee, who used to head... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2138275/star-studded-cast-advisers-help-hong-kong-ditch-old-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2138275/star-studded-cast-advisers-help-hong-kong-ditch-old-way?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Mar 2018 12:45:45 +0000 Hong Kong’s taxi driver alliance on Tuesday dug in its heels over ride-hailing services, claiming that police had promised to come down harder on Uber and warning that if enforcement was lax, cabbies would act to “defend” their rights. The Association of Taxi Industry Development also shot down any hopes of cooperating with the US ride-hailing giant, which recently told the Post of its plans to roll out the UberFlash booking service that could also be used by cabbies. Uber banks on successful... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2138097/hong-kong-cabbies-threaten-defend-their-rights-if-police-dont?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2138097/hong-kong-cabbies-threaten-defend-their-rights-if-police-dont?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Mar 2018 12:26:24 +0000 Two men from South America and Europe believed to be the masterminds of a global drug syndicate were arrested on Monday at luxury properties in Hong Kong’s upscale Gold Coast neighbourhood. Customs officers involved in raiding three flats discovered sachets of cocaine concealed in the metal shafts of noodle-making machines shipped from South America via mainland China. Similar discoveries had been made in previous raids in recent weeks. The drug bust, together with another on Friday in To Kwa... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2137992/cocaine-worth-hk14-million-found-noodle-making-machines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2137992/cocaine-worth-hk14-million-found-noodle-making-machines?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Mar 2018 05:00:22 +0000 Hong Kong came in 28th in a global ranking of the most liveable cities for Asian expatriates – retaining roughly the same spot for three straight years – due to its failure to address poor air quality and the greater risk of infectious diseases spreading across its densely-packed population. Singapore retained the top spot for the 16th year running, with Australian and Japanese cities close behind, according to the survey of over 470 locations by human resources consultancy ECA... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2136982/air-pollution-keeps-hong-kong-28th-place-expat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2136982/air-pollution-keeps-hong-kong-28th-place-expat?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Mar 2018 07:30:15 +0000 Researchers have called for more funding for NGOs to help Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities better integrate into society, after a government survey which looked into the effectiveness of public services for such groups revealed a number of shortfalls. Government departments providing services most needed by ethnic minorities – job hunting, family and child welfare, interpretation and integration – were also urged to regularly review and improve the effectiveness of their work. As of 2016, around... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2136815/shortfalls-found-public-services-hong-kongs-ethnic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2136815/shortfalls-found-public-services-hong-kongs-ethnic?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Mar 2018 06:22:42 +0000 Amid the daily buzz of traffic and pedestrians around an area under the Canal Road Flyover in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, a distinct pounding beat resonates from rituals performed by a group of elderly women who claim they can rid clients of bad luck and enemies. For HK$50 (US$6), the self-proclaimed sorceresses hold ceremonies by the roadside which involve pounding paper effigies with shoes and burning incense and candles. The effigies represent people that customers want “beaten”, including hated... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2136660/hated-colleagues-classmates-and-mothers-law-targets-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2136660/hated-colleagues-classmates-and-mothers-law-targets-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Mar 2018 11:30:15 +0000 The number of Hongkongers aged 80 or above has increased by 67 per cent to more than 340,000, taking up a bigger proportion of the city’s total population compared with figures from a decade ago, according to a latest government report. Published on Friday, the results were part of a citywide by-census conducted by the Census and Statistics Department in mid-2016. The findings highlighted the worrying trend of Hong Kong’s fast-ageing population. The report also found in that year, 15.9 per cent... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2136598/more-elderly-households-and-people-aged-above-80-can-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2136598/more-elderly-households-and-people-aged-above-80-can-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Mar 2018 14:43:47 +0000 Hong Kong’s rail operator denied it was becoming a property developer after it announced on Thursday a 64 per cent rise in net profit to hit HK$16.8 billion (US$2.1 billion) for 2017, thanks to bumper earnings from its property portfolio. Less than one-third of the MTR Corporation’s HK$55.44 billion in revenue last year came from its transport operations in Hong Kong, while income from its property developments in mainland China jumped five times during the period. The rail giant dismissed... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2136403/mtr-corp-announces-64-cent-rise-net-profit-hk168-billion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2136403/mtr-corp-announces-64-cent-rise-net-profit-hk168-billion?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Mar 2018 10:07:56 +0000 A leading Hong Kong chain store specialising in Japanese snacks and consumer goods has responded to the recent depreciation of the Hong Kong dollar by marking up its products by 3 to 5 per cent. But other businesses believed the weaker local currency, which hit a three-decade low against the US dollar on Monday, would have little real or long-term impact as the fluctuation was marginal. A currency peg against the greenback since October 1983 has kept the Hong Kong dollar relatively stable. But... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2136018/what-weakest-hong-kong-dollar-30-years-means-firms-workers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2136018/what-weakest-hong-kong-dollar-30-years-means-firms-workers?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Mar 2018 01:15:00 +0000 Hong Kong’s airport has become the sixth in the world to earn accreditation for handling delicate pharmaceutical goods, an area of economic potential that has grown by 12 per cent in volume annually for the past four years. The airport will now heavily invest in infrastructure and equipment to expand its cold storage solutions and maintain its grip as the world’s busiest air cargo hub. The transport of vaccines and medicines by air is seen as one area with room for expansion in the city: between... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2135824/hong-kong-airport-becomes-sixth-world-be-certified-handle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2135824/hong-kong-airport-becomes-sixth-world-be-certified-handle?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Mar 2018 12:50:52 +0000 A 26-month-old girl died in a Hong Kong hospital on Sunday evening after choking on a grape. Emergency personnel were dispatched to a flat in Ching Wah Court in Tsing Yi at around 8.30pm after the girl choked while eating the fruit and soon fell unconscious. The girl was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital, where she was later certified dead. It is the second time in two months that such a tragedy has occurred in Hong Kong. In January, an eight-year-old girl passed out in school after choking... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2135663/hong-kong-toddler-dies-hospital-after-choking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2135663/hong-kong-toddler-dies-hospital-after-choking?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Mar 2018 16:15:10 +0000 With Hong Kong’s Science Park in charge of a massive HK$40 billion (US$5.1 billion) slice of the budget funding pie in an attempt to turn the city into an innovation and technology (I&T) hub, questions have arisen as to how it can spend the money wisely, will be able to churn out success stories and also be accountable to a highly sceptical public. Critics suggested setting up various committees to hold the park accountable on its criteria for handing out funds and called on it to set up key... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2135332/all-eyes-hong-kongs-science-park-after-massive-hk40-billion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2135332/all-eyes-hong-kongs-science-park-after-massive-hk40-billion?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Mar 2018 14:00:00 +0000 The government will bail out loss-making Ocean Park to the tune of HK$310 million, including paying for 10,000 free tickets for students, it was announced on Wednesday. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po’s unprecedented initiative – unveiled during his annual budget – is part of a HK$706 million package to freshen up Hong Kong’s waning image as a tourism hub and lure big-spending visitors from places other than mainland China. Other measures which might indirectly boost the local tourism market... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2135138/government-bail-out-hong-kongs-ocean-park-hk310-million-cash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2135138/government-bail-out-hong-kongs-ocean-park-hk310-million-cash?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Feb 2018 11:53:58 +0000 Electric car buyers in Hong Kong who wish to enjoy a tax break of up to HK$250,000 must first scrap a car in a one-for-one replacement scheme announced by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po on Wednesday. However, a HK$97,500 (US$12,500) cap on the current tax break for electric vehicles (EVs) would stand, after its implementation last year all but stifled the electric car market in Hong Kong. A government source admitted it was hard to predict whether the measure, which takes effect... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2135066/electric-car-buyers-get-new-hk250000-tax-break-will-it-boost?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2135066/electric-car-buyers-get-new-hk250000-tax-break-will-it-boost?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Feb 2018 07:14:59 +0000 A KMB double decker flipped on its side in Tai Po days before Lunar New Year, killing 19 people and injuring at least 67 others in one of Hong Kong’s deadliest road accidents on record. The tragedy shook the city and sparked debate over the well-being of 13,000 franchised bus drivers, who have for years complained of being overworked and underpaid. Their grievances reached boiling point last week when a newly formed drivers’ alliance called an impromptu strike over unhappiness with a recent deal... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2135001/how-deadly-crash-sparked-protest-hong-kongs-bus-drivers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2135001/how-deadly-crash-sparked-protest-hong-kongs-bus-drivers?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Feb 2018 04:00:45 +0000 Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po rolled out the city’s budget at the Legislative Council on Wednesday morning, delivering the administration’s first formal address on fiscal policy since Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor kicked off her five-year term last July. Budget highlights - Close to 40 per cent, or HK$52 billion, of a record HK$138 billion surplus going to relief measures  - A massive HK$50 billion set aside to promote innovation and technology development -... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2135011/money-money-money-hong-kongs-finance-chief-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/2135011/money-money-money-hong-kongs-finance-chief-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Feb 2018 02:45:15 +0000 Twenty Hong Kong delegates to China’s national legislature and top political advisory body will ditch flying in favour of the country’s fast expanding high-speed rail network when they journey north to Beijing for their annual meeting on Thursday. The group will need to cross the border into mainland China and board trains in neighbouring Shenzhen to begin the almost 2,000km trip. But from September the journey could start at Hong Kong’s West Kowloon after a cross-border rail line opens... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2134977/20-hong-kong-delegates-skip-flying-favour-train-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2134977/20-hong-kong-delegates-skip-flying-favour-train-beijing?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Feb 2018 14:40:07 +0000 At least a dozen Hong Kong passengers experienced a short delay in their journeys on Saturday night after a KMB bus drivers’ union unhappy with a pay restructuring exercise launched a strike that proved less disruptive than planned. Soon after 8pm, two KMB drivers lined up and parked their buses inside a terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui. One vehicle had about 10 passengers on board, and the two buses blocked the station’s lone exit. About five other buses not part of the strike were caught behind the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2134576/kmb-bus-driver-union-plans-8pm-strike-stopping-buses-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2134576/kmb-bus-driver-union-plans-8pm-strike-stopping-buses-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Feb 2018 11:30:45 +0000 A white historic building surrounded by the glitzy skyscrapers of Central and the hipster shops of Soho has been the site of hundreds of thousands of Instagram photos and is described as a must-visit destination on tourist and design guides. It once housed the city’s men in blue, but since 2014, the Police Married Quarters or PMQ, has been a trendy melting pot of local fashion, design, art and lifestyle offerings. Now, the government wants to replicate its success and build a similar design and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2134530/can-one-hong-kongs-poorest-and-oldest-neighbourhoods-take?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2134530/can-one-hong-kongs-poorest-and-oldest-neighbourhoods-take?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Feb 2018 04:31:42 +0000 The Transport Department’s announcement of reduced working hours and extended breaks for 13,000 public bus drivers on Friday – after a KMB double decker crash this month left 19 people dead – received a mixed reaction from unions, with the largest one fearing workers’ would be hit by a sharp drop in pay. Maximum daily duty hours were cut from 14 to 12, and driving hours reduced from 11 to 10, the department said at a meeting with staff unions. But a “special shift” allowing drivers to work up to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2134487/working-hours-cut-and-breaks-extended-12000-hong-kong-bus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2134487/working-hours-cut-and-breaks-extended-12000-hong-kong-bus?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Feb 2018 10:30:15 +0000 Hong Kong’s largest franchised bus operator has agreed to drivers’ demands for better basic pay and working conditions following a double decker crash this month that left 19 passengers dead and put the spotlight on the need to improve safety. From next month, full-time bus drivers with KMB will be guaranteed a higher basic monthly salary of HK$15,365 (US$1,963), regardless of performance, and more overtime pay, a drivers’ union announced on Wednesday after a meeting with management. The company... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2134139/kmb-guarantees-higher-basic-pay-hk15365-drivers-after-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2134139/kmb-guarantees-higher-basic-pay-hk15365-drivers-after-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Feb 2018 11:15:45 +0000 A French navy frigate will be open to the public when it makes a five-day port call to Hong Kong next week, its third visit to the city. Hongkongers and tourists alike will have a chance to board the Vendémiaire, which will arrive on February 26 and stay until March 2. The ship will berth at the China Merchants Wharf in Kennedy Town, with an open day held on February 27. According to the French consulate in Hong Kong, visitors must bring along their passports or Hong Kong identity cards, and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2134087/hong-kong-public-will-get-chance-board-french-navy-frigate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2134087/hong-kong-public-will-get-chance-board-french-navy-frigate?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Feb 2018 05:48:27 +0000 More than 60 million tourists are expected to pour into Hong Kong this year, marking a 3.6 per cent uptick year on year as officials hope two cross-border links will help bring in visitors from mainland China when the projects open later this year. If the targets hold, it would be the second time the city received more than 60 million visitors in a single year, following a record 60.8 million in 2014. But the Tourism Board brushed aside fears the city would be too congested and that Hongkongers’... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2134004/more-60-million-tourists-expected-hong-kong-2018-officials?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2134004/more-60-million-tourists-expected-hong-kong-2018-officials?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:30:20 +0000 Animal welfare charities in Hong Kong are urging people not to buy a pet on a whim to mark the Year of the Dog, but there may be a hi-tech alternative.  Engineers from Britain have come up with an “autonomous” robotic dog which they say can see, hear and even respond to a stroke on its back. Called MiRo, the creature is designed for the elderly who may not be able to properly look after an animal at home. It will make its Asia debut in March at Hong Kong’s GREAT Festival of Innovation, a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2133585/more-humane-choice-pet-year-dog-how-about-robot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2133585/more-humane-choice-pet-year-dog-how-about-robot?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Feb 2018 05:02:04 +0000 Huge crowds were building on Thursday evening at Victoria Park, the site of Hong Kong’s largest Lunar New Year market, as the city counts down to the Year of the Dog. Many shoppers were hunting for bargains on the last day of the week-long fair, which offered a variety of festive items from flowers and cushions to snacks and home decorations. While there were 15 Lunar New Year markets around the city offering similar products, the one at the Causeway Bay park remains the most popular because of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2133551/hongkongers-pile-park-all-fun-lunar-new-year-fair?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2133551/hongkongers-pile-park-all-fun-lunar-new-year-fair?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Feb 2018 12:30:00 +0000 Drivers from Hong Kong must pay with renminbi and follow mainland China traffic rules by keeping to the right if they cross the mega bridge linking the city to Macau and Zhuhai. And the number of Hong Kong cars which can directly enter Macau will be capped at 300, the Transport Department announced on Tuesday, a far cry from the quota of 10,000 to get into the mainland. While construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge, beset for years by delays and cost overruns, is largely complete, an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2133246/right-side-road-only-way-travel-hong-kong-zhuhai-macau-bridge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2133246/right-side-road-only-way-travel-hong-kong-zhuhai-macau-bridge?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:15:15 +0000 Images of a new Marvel attraction, which forms part of a multiyear expansion at Hong Kong Disneyland, were revealed on Tuesday. The ride, the second featuring characters from the Marvel comics series, was expected to open this year, giving a much-needed boost to the theme park’s flagging finances. After posting losses of HK$171 million (US$21.9 million) in 2016 and HK$148 million the previous year, market watchers were keen to find out how the park would fare when it announced its 2017 results... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2133217/new-marvel-ant-man-attraction-hong-kong-disneyland-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/economy/article/2133217/new-marvel-ant-man-attraction-hong-kong-disneyland-revealed?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Feb 2018 11:04:16 +0000 Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year fireworks set for this Saturday have been called off out of respect for the victims of the city’s deadliest traffic accident in more than a decade, as the driver was on Monday night charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced the cancellation as donations to the 84 families affected by the tragedy doubled to HK$42.5 million. Meanwhile a judge-led inquiry into the incident was endorsed by the city’s top... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2133045/hong-kong-cancels-lunar-new-year-fireworks-after-bus-crash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/community/article/2133045/hong-kong-cancels-lunar-new-year-fireworks-after-bus-crash?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Feb 2018 10:30:45 +0000 Victims of the gruesome Tai Po bus crash recalled seeing people with broken limbs inside the bus after the vehicle flipped on its side, while onlookers stood by taking videos. Amid the chaotic scenes, survivors said they crawled out through the emergency exits after they were unable to find a hammer to break through the vehicle’s windows. “More than 15 people had died at the scene, there were broken heads, hands and legs afterwards and I heard screams,” said Lee Ho-sang, 16, the youngest... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2132874/passengers-claim-bus-driver-was-throwing-tantrum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/2132874/passengers-claim-bus-driver-was-throwing-tantrum?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Feb 2018 15:30:30 +0000