https://www.scmp.com/rss/325534/feed The Executive Council, or Exco, is a body of advisers that helps the chief executive in policymaking. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s top-ranking civil servants will be held accountable if they fail to provide adequate support in policy formulation, the city’s leader has said, despite a new investigation mechanism that primarily targets department heads. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that the proposed “Heads of Department Accountability System” was intended to promote self-improvement within departments rather than “picking on” individuals. Under the new mechanism, the chief executive, department... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350842/new-accountability-system-aims-improve-not-blame-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350842/new-accountability-system-aims-improve-not-blame-john-lee-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:32:17 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen The Hong Kong government should use its proposed accountability system prudently to investigate department heads and avoid undermining morale among civil servants, a top adviser to the city’s leader has said. But Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, convenor of the city’s top decision-making Executive Council, stressed on Sunday that the system would serve as a reminder for leaders to actively spot deficiencies in their departments and “do better in handling residents’ complaints”. In a televised interview,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350612/government-should-probe-department-heads-cautiously-under-new-system-regina-ip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3350612/government-should-probe-department-heads-cautiously-under-new-system-regina-ip?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:09:38 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong A statutory advisory body in Hong Kong will be given new powers as early as June to investigate government department heads over “serious, widespread or systemic” problems, as part of a broader push to institutionalise accountability for top officials. A Civil Service Bureau spokeswoman stressed that the new system targeted “implementation failures” by senior officials, but a union representative argued that major scandals often stemmed from flawed policy designs in which bureau chiefs and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350052/advisory-body-be-given-power-probe-government-department-heads-serious-offences?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350052/advisory-body-be-given-power-probe-government-department-heads-serious-offences?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:47:19 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong’s key decision-making body has approved plans for an elevated smart mass transit railway system in Kai Tak that will connect the cruise terminal and other major facilities in the area to the local MTR station. The Executive Council’s endorsement followed meetings between authorities and project critics and consultations with the public and the Legislative Council to address their concerns. The proposal was gazetted in July last year. “The public is generally supportive of the Smart and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348507/hong-kongs-exco-approves-plans-elevated-mass-transit-system-kai-tak?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348507/hong-kongs-exco-approves-plans-elevated-mass-transit-system-kai-tak?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:17:24 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong’s legislature will retain the power to scrutinise boundary changes for the Northern Metropolis megaproject proposed by the executive branch, the city’s development chief has said, addressing concerns over proposed laws to fast-track the scheme. Under proposed legislation comprising six main subsidiary laws designed to remove bottlenecks in the massive scheme near the border with mainland China, the city’s leader and the Executive Council will be empowered to adjust its boundaries,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347760/northern-metropolis-boundary-changes-will-need-legco-approval-minister-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347760/northern-metropolis-boundary-changes-will-need-legco-approval-minister-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:19:01 +0000 Kevin Li Kevin Li US importers have cut orders and shifted to short-term contracts amid a global oil crisis triggered by war in the Middle East, according to Hong Kong business leaders, who warn that profit margins are eroding and liquidity is becoming strained. Executive Council member and businessman Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung said on Sunday that the US-Israel war on Iran had driven up fuel costs, raising operating expenses for local firms. He urged the Hong Kong government to bolster ties with Central Asian and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347479/hong-kong-firms-face-profit-squeeze-us-importers-cut-orders-amid-oil-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347479/hong-kong-firms-face-profit-squeeze-us-importers-cut-orders-amid-oil-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 09:53:31 +0000 Vivian Au,Lo Hoi-ying Vivian Au,Lo Hoi-ying Proposed designated laws to streamline land-use approval procedures for the Northern Metropolis megaproject will not undermine the authority of Hong Kong’s town planning body, some experts have argued, while urging the government to establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) to strengthen market confidence. Observers were responding to a package of six subsidiary laws unveiled on Tuesday by the Development Bureau, designed to remove bottlenecks in the New Territories project. A key... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346939/northern-metropolis-land-use-laws-wont-undermine-boards-authority-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346939/northern-metropolis-land-use-laws-wont-undermine-boards-authority-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:30:09 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong authorities have proposed designated laws to streamline procedures for changing land use in the Northern Metropolis megaproject, cutting the process from typically nine months to just two. Unveiled by the Development Bureau on Tuesday, the proposed designated legislation comprises six main subsidiary laws designed to remove bottlenecks in the massive scheme near the border with mainland China. They include the establishment of statutory firms and measures to speed up land resumption... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346930/measures-streamline-northern-metropolis-land-use-procedures-unveiled?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346930/measures-streamline-northern-metropolis-land-use-procedures-unveiled?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:38:49 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong will continue its efforts to expand business opportunities in the Middle East despite recent geopolitical tensions, as the city remains a safe and stable investment hub amid global volatility, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said. Despite his optimism, Lee conceded that the conflict in the Middle East had affected Hong Kong due to a surge in fuel prices, urging suppliers to increase transparency in pricing and warning of regulatory action in cases of commercial wrongdoing. “[The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346860/hong-kong-press-ahead-expanding-middle-east-ties-despite-regional-unrest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346860/hong-kong-press-ahead-expanding-middle-east-ties-despite-regional-unrest?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:00:02 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Hong Kong authorities will announce arrangements this month for residents displaced by the deadly Tai Po blaze to return to their fire-damaged flats and collect personal belongings by the end of April, the city’s leader has said. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Tuesday that the government would fully cooperate with an independent committee investigating the inferno, when asked if any officials would testify before the body as it begins hearings on Thursday. Lee stressed that the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346841/hong-kong-unveil-plans-month-tai-po-fire-victims-retrieve-belongings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346841/hong-kong-unveil-plans-month-tai-po-fire-victims-retrieve-belongings?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 05:18:20 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu Tung Wah College, a tertiary institution in Hong Kong known for its nursing care and allied health programmes, will undergo a combined review next month on its application to become both a private university and a university of applied sciences (UAS) and is “very confident”, its head has said. Professor Sally Chan Wai-chi, president of the 16-year-old Ho Man Tin-based college, said on Thursday that it planned to adopt the name “Tung Wah University of Hong Kong” if its application was... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3345609/tung-wah-college-undergo-review-april-bid-gain-university-status?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3345609/tung-wah-college-undergo-review-april-bid-gain-university-status?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:53:24 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s lowest-paid workers are set to receive a pay rise of HK$1 per hour, from the current HK$42.10 (US$5.40) to HK$43.10, as recommended by the government’s top decision-making body, with the new rate expected to come into force as early as May. The government announced on Tuesday that the Executive Council had adopted the proposal from the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC), which had suggested the 2.38 per cent increase. The amendment will be tabled in the legislature on February 25. Subject... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3343063/hong-kongs-minimum-wage-set-rise-hk1-hour-hk4310?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3343063/hong-kongs-minimum-wage-set-rise-hk1-hour-hk4310?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:24:43 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s top decision-making body has held 25 per cent fewer meetings in the first 3½ years of the current administration compared with the previous two governments, the South China Morning Post has found, with the group’s secretariat urging the public to focus on “outcomes of the work” rather than on the number of gatherings. The Executive Council Secretariat stopped short of commenting on the trend directly due to the principle of confidentiality, but said the government had been... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341951/outcomes-not-output-exco-held-25-fewer-meetings-over-john-lees-tenure-so-far?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341951/outcomes-not-output-exco-held-25-fewer-meetings-over-john-lees-tenure-so-far?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Jan 2026 11:37:40 +0000 Oscar Liu,Leopold Chen,Danny Mok Oscar Liu,Leopold Chen,Danny Mok The head of the Hong Kong government’s liaison office in Tianjin has been fired and will face a criminal probe after his online posts showed him enjoying alleged perks such as a private ferry cabin upgrade on a trip to Macau. The government said in a late-night statement on Wednesday that following concerns arising from posts by Ricky Cheng Chun-sang, director of the Tianjin Liaison Unit, it had conducted further investigations. “It has been considered that the incident in which Mr Cheng’s seat... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340620/calls-probe-after-hong-kong-official-posts-about-alleged-ferry-hotel-perks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340620/calls-probe-after-hong-kong-official-posts-about-alleged-ferry-hotel-perks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 01:39:06 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu swore in the new Legislative Council on January 1 without issue, even though a few lawmakers had to redo their oaths. And the first order of business for them is to elect the council president in a vote expected on January 8. Whether Lee’s message to Legco members – calling on them to be “representatives of the public”, and to prioritise the interests of the nation and Hong Kong over personal political gain and glory – is heard and how they interpret... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3338553/starry-lee-or-ronick-chan-lawmakers-choice-will-reveal-their-priorities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3338553/starry-lee-or-ronick-chan-lawmakers-choice-will-reveal-their-priorities?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Jan 2026 01:30:10 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has ordered the setting up of a judge-led independent review committee on the blaze that engulfed a Tai Po residential estate while formally announcing that the Legislative Council election will go ahead on Sunday as scheduled. The death toll from the inferno that swept through seven of the eight blocks of Wang Fuk Court last Wednesday rose to 156 after five more bodies were found on Tuesday. Of the total, 127 victims have been identified, while about... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334962/judge-led-panel-probe-deadly-blaze-hong-kong-goes-ahead-election?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334962/judge-led-panel-probe-deadly-blaze-hong-kong-goes-ahead-election?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:13:26 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s leader has warned that authorities will not tolerate any attempts to sabotage relief efforts for residents affected by the city’s deadliest fire in decades, after national security police made arrests for alleged sedition related to the blaze. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday also pledged to roll out systemic reforms and said those responsible for the tragedy would be held accountable after being asked why he should remain in his position following the fire. Last week’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3334878/no-tolerance-sabotage-hong-kong-fire-relief-efforts-john-lee-warns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3334878/no-tolerance-sabotage-hong-kong-fire-relief-efforts-john-lee-warns?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:07:50 +0000 Jeffie Lam Jeffie Lam Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee was in no mood for messing about. Pointing her index finger at reporters one October morning inside Hong Kong’s legislature, she sternly signalled for them to get out of her way. “Don’t block my way to the meeting,” she said. “Move away.” Her demeanour seemed to hark back to an Ip of an earlier era – the fiery, hardline security minister who spearheaded national security legislation in 2003 – while others read it as a hint that the veteran politician was about to bid a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333761/hong-kongs-comeback-queen-regina-ip-reflects-50-year-career-public-service?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3333761/hong-kongs-comeback-queen-regina-ip-reflects-50-year-career-public-service?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 01:00:18 +0000 Willa Wu,Matthew Cheng Willa Wu,Matthew Cheng Hong Kong authorities will take a hard line towards any disruptions to the coming Legislative Council election, the city’s leader has warned, while also issuing a letter to all civil servants urging them to vote in the December poll. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also stressed on Tuesday that there was no “hard target” for the election turnout rate, but dodged a question on whether any government workers who did not vote would be punished. Last Friday, the central government’s Hong Kong and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3330583/hong-kong-take-hard-line-against-legco-election-disruptions-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3330583/hong-kong-take-hard-line-against-legco-election-disruptions-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:13:24 +0000 Mike Rowse Mike Rowse I think we should be bracing ourselves for a wave of disgruntled legislative councillors, and it might not end there. If a Legislative Council stalwart goes out the door, could an Executive Council heavyweight be far behind? Every day seems to bring news of another of our 89 legislative councillors not seeking re-election this year, with more than a dozen already pulling out of the race. In some instances, the legislator claims plausibly to wish to pursue other career or life objectives. That... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3329422/why-hong-kong-must-not-be-hasty-seeing-its-silver-officials?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3329422/why-hong-kong-must-not-be-hasty-seeing-its-silver-officials?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Oct 2025 12:30:08 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s leader has signalled that the government’s key decision-making body, the Executive Council, will not be reshuffled after four veteran lawmakers, who also serve as his advisers, decided not to run in the coming Legislative Council election. Martin Liao Cheung-kong, 68, a lawmaker since 2012 and affectionately known as the “class monitor” of the pro-establishment camp, emerged on Tuesday as the latest Exco member to announce that he would not seek another term in the legislature. Three... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3328913/hong-kong-exco-will-not-change-despite-veteran-lawmakers-stepping-down-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3328913/hong-kong-exco-will-not-change-despite-veteran-lawmakers-stepping-down-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Oct 2025 05:32:46 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s leader has tasked a government steering committee on handling extreme weather with improving infrastructure and facilities in storm-vulnerable areas after the city was brought to a standstill by Super Typhoon Ragasa last week. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that the government had managed to minimise the damage caused by Ragasa and recover swiftly, allowing business activities to resume last Wednesday night and society to largely return to normal the next day. Lee... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327334/hong-kongs-extreme-weather-body-tasked-bolstering-typhoon-response-works?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327334/hong-kongs-extreme-weather-body-tasked-bolstering-typhoon-response-works?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:48:19 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng A lack of social consensus has led the government to shelve a pay-as-you-throw scheme indefinitely, Hong Kong’s leader has said, while stressing that his administration “will not stop” its commitment to reducing waste. Commenting for the first time on the indefinite suspension of the waste-charging scheme, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that the implementation of any policies required thorough consideration, taking into account the level of social acceptance and consensus. “The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327330/hong-kongs-john-lee-cites-lack-social-consensus-shelving-waste-charging-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3327330/hong-kongs-john-lee-cites-lack-social-consensus-shelving-waste-charging-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:27:37 +0000 Jeffie Lam Jeffie Lam Hong Kong’s leader has delivered a comprehensive policy blueprint pushing for further economic reforms by expediting key infrastructure projects and doubling down on the city’s competitive strengths, while also improving livelihoods, notably charting more paths to home ownership. In a wide-ranging speech that left no stone unturned, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu vowed to entice more high value-added industries and enterprises to the city by offering preferential policy packages. For the first... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3325914/policy-address-2025-hong-kongs-john-lee-big-push-economic-reforms?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3325914/policy-address-2025-hong-kongs-john-lee-big-push-economic-reforms?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:45:31 +0000 Ng Kang-chung,Matthew Cheng Ng Kang-chung,Matthew Cheng Hongkongers have been growing more unhappy about the legislature’s performance, with more than half of respondents in a recent survey expressing dissatisfaction with the lawmaking body’s work, a local think tank has said. PoD Research Institute, formerly known as Path of Democracy, said on Monday that the findings served as a warning to incumbent lawmakers ahead of an election in December. The survey, which interviewed 1,003 people between June 6 and 23, found 50.6 per cent of respondents were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3325602/hongkongers-increasingly-dissatisfied-legislatures-performance-poll?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3325602/hongkongers-increasingly-dissatisfied-legislatures-performance-poll?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:19:43 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Veteran Hong Kong lawmaker Stanley Ng Chau-pei has said he was unable to vote on an ill-fated same-sex partnership bill due to a personal emergency, in response to questions about his absence despite being a member of a key decision-making body. Ng, president of the Federation of Trade Unions, was the only lawmaker also sitting on the Executive Council who failed to attend the vote for the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill on Wednesday. The proposed legislation was eventually voted down... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3325241/urgent-matter-stopped-me-voting-same-sex-rights-bill-hong-kongs-stanley-ng?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3325241/urgent-matter-stopped-me-voting-same-sex-rights-bill-hong-kongs-stanley-ng?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:40:50 +0000 Willa Wu,Edith Lin Willa Wu,Edith Lin Hong Kong lawmakers have voted down a bill that would have recognised same-sex partnerships, despite a landmark court ruling and years of LGBTQ rights activism, with the city’s constitutional affairs chief expressing disappointment over the result. Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai said on Wednesday that the government would not seek an extension to an October deadline set by the court but would discuss its next step with the Department of Justice. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3325049/hong-kong-lawmakers-vote-down-bill-recognising-same-sex-partnerships?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3325049/hong-kong-lawmakers-vote-down-bill-recognising-same-sex-partnerships?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:42:49 +0000 Ambrose Li,Olga Wong Ambrose Li,Olga Wong The age limit for private vehicles used for ride-hailing in Hong Kong will be relaxed from seven to 12 years to attract more part-time drivers under coming rules, the Post has learned, while a government source has said a proposed regulatory framework can address a recent rise in illegal services. A source said the legal framework proposed by transport authorities to regulate ride-hailing services was approved by the Executive Council, the city’s top decision-making body, in a special meeting on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3323583/hong-kong-relaxes-proposed-ride-hailing-vehicle-age-limit-attract-part-timers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3323583/hong-kong-relaxes-proposed-ride-hailing-vehicle-age-limit-attract-part-timers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:17:15 +0000 Denise Tsang,Lam Ka-sing Denise Tsang,Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong has asked Beijing to include the city in an international trademark treaty as it makes a greater push into the intellectual property (IP) economy and expands into overseas markets amid geopolitical uncertainties, the commerce minister has told the Post. In a wide-ranging interview on Friday, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah said challenges in the global economy caused by US-China trade tensions and the war in Ukraine meant that both the Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3322991/hong-kong-seeks-inclusion-trademark-treaty-boost-ip-economy-global-reach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3322991/hong-kong-seeks-inclusion-trademark-treaty-boost-ip-economy-global-reach?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Aug 2025 02:00:19 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Supporters of Hong Kong lawmaker and former security minister Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee celebrated her 75th birthday in a busy shopping area on Sunday, with some enthusiastic fans taking home free souvenirs. In a reply to the Post after the event, Ip said: “I want to thank my young fans sincerely for their heart-melting support! I find them to be extremely creative. I hope they had a fun day celebrating my birthday together!” The celebration, organised by a Facebook group of supporters, drew a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3322983/supporters-hong-kongs-regina-ip-celebrate-birthday-ip-lau-bay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3322983/supporters-hong-kongs-regina-ip-celebrate-birthday-ip-lau-bay?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Aug 2025 13:30:05 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong will begin the nomination process for its next Legislative Council on October 24, with the current term to end on the same day, the government has announced. Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki said on Wednesday that the date was set after taking the election date of December 7 into consideration. In a letter to Legco President Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, the city’s No 2 official said that the current legislature term would end on October 24 “to prevent giving undue... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3321703/hong-kong-begin-legislative-council-nominations-october-24?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3321703/hong-kong-begin-legislative-council-nominations-october-24?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:48:34 +0000 Willa Wu,Edith Lin,Natalie Wong Willa Wu,Edith Lin,Natalie Wong A proposed piece of legislation by the Hong Kong government to recognise same-sex partnerships is set to be the first bill the legislature will reject since Beijing overhauled the city’s electoral system in 2021 to ensure only “patriots” held political power. The new law, opposed by the major political parties, was the government’s response to a landmark court ruling that found authorities had violated the city’s Bill of Rights by failing to offer some form of legal recognition, such as civil... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3321636/hong-kongs-legislature-becoming-too-timid-too-tame-year-review?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3321636/hong-kongs-legislature-becoming-too-timid-too-tame-year-review?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:30:13 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung A politician who sits on Hong Kong’s top decision-making Executive Council has apologised to the city’s constitutional minister after slamming his “annoying” attempts to lobby support for a controversial same-sex partnership bill. Legislator Stanley Ng Chau-pei, who is also president of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions (FTU), held out an olive branch on Friday, praising the minister’s “dedication” and “hard work” after earlier chiding the official for “threatening” him. At the centre of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3320469/hong-kong-lawmaker-apologises-minister-after-dispute-over-same-sex-bill?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3320469/hong-kong-lawmaker-apologises-minister-after-dispute-over-same-sex-bill?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:34:55 +0000 C. K. Yeung C. K. Yeung Before humans invented law, human behaviour was governed by innate moral ethics. This is the starting point of all laws across the world. Theft is illegal, murder is a crime – these are universally accepted moral standards. However, the idea that same-sex couples should enjoy the same legal status as heterosexual marriages is not a universally accepted moral standard. So where should Hong Kong draw the line? This is not a matter for the executive, the legislature or the judiciary. It is a moral... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3319939/same-sex-partnerships-hong-kong-conscience-vote-would-set-good-precedent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3319939/same-sex-partnerships-hong-kong-conscience-vote-would-set-good-precedent?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 31 Jul 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s leader has pledged to “take all things into consideration” for future extreme weather preparations after parents criticised last week’s decision to suspend day schools over concerns about a rainstorm that subsided quicker than expected. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday defended the decision by Eric Chan Kwok-ki, the city’s No 2 official and chair of the steering committee on handling extreme weather, and said such preparatory actions were “absolutely correct”. Last... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3318253/hong-kong-leader-vows-consider-all-things-future-extreme-weather-prep?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3318253/hong-kong-leader-vows-consider-all-things-future-extreme-weather-prep?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:27:36 +0000 Willa Wu,Jess Ma Willa Wu,Jess Ma Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has started a criminal investigation into a university student accused of using AI to generate pornographic images of classmates and other women, while the city’s leader has pledged to examine regulations elsewhere and look for “best practices”. A spokesman for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data warned on Tuesday that anyone who disclosed another person’s information without their consent with the intent to harm or with reckless disregard for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3318232/hong-kong-look-laws-globally-best-way-handle-ai-porn-case-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3318232/hong-kong-look-laws-globally-best-way-handle-ai-porn-case-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:29:00 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong can boost growth by tapping into the space economy and hosting more top-tier international events such as the Apec finance ministers’ meeting, the top adviser to the city’s leader has said. Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, convenor of the key decision-making Executive Council and chairwoman of the New People’s Party, also proposed a HK$50 million (US$6.4 million) fund on Wednesday to help young local musicians and artists train and compete overseas. She cited pianist Aristo Sham Ching-tao, who... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3316705/hong-kong-can-chart-path-high-quality-growth-space-economy-regina-ip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3316705/hong-kong-can-chart-path-high-quality-growth-space-economy-regina-ip?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:49:32 +0000 Willa Wu,Jeffie Lam,Natalie Wong Willa Wu,Jeffie Lam,Natalie Wong In the second of a two-part series on the national security law, we look at how the city has had to battle a negative narrative over the past five years. Read part 1 here. Soon after Hong Kong reopened in early 2023 as harsh pandemic restrictions were finally lifted, veteran lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee embarked on a solo mission to the West. Visiting Brussels to meet European Union officials in September 2023, she sought to explain fundamental political and legal changes in the city and how... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3315996/5-years-after-national-security-law-has-hong-kong-bounced-back?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3315996/5-years-after-national-security-law-has-hong-kong-bounced-back?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:21 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu “Soft resistance” definitely still exists in Hong Kong, the chief executive has said, urging residents to remain vigilant as “many villains” are trying to threaten national security. City leader John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Tuesday that criticism of the local government was acceptable only if it did not intend to undermine national security. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui earlier said that authorities would guard against soft resistance by stepping up scrutiny... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3315600/soft-resistance-real-still-exists-hong-kong-john-lee-warns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3315600/soft-resistance-real-still-exists-hong-kong-john-lee-warns?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Jun 2025 05:29:48 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong has been named the third-most globally competitive economy in the world, climbing two places from last year, with city leader John Lee Ka-chiu attributing the rise to enhanced government efficiency resulting from civil service reforms. The chief executive said that Hong Kong had scored 99.2 out of 100 in the latest World Competitiveness Ranking, which was released by the Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD) on Tuesday. The ranking put the city... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3314744/hong-kongs-coming-third-competitiveness-index-down-civil-service-reform?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3314744/hong-kongs-coming-third-competitiveness-index-down-civil-service-reform?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jun 2025 07:33:52 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma The average number of people apprehended in Hong Kong annually over national security-related offences only made up 0.2 per cent of arrests each year, the city’s leader has said, arguing that the relevant legislation has achieved its aim of targeting a small minority. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that police had made 332 arrests in connection with such offences since Beijing’s promulgation of the national security law in 2020. He noted that the figure amounted to 66 arrests a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3314723/hong-kongs-national-security-arrests-make-02-wider-annual-police-tally?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3314723/hong-kongs-national-security-arrests-make-02-wider-annual-police-tally?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jun 2025 06:30:42 +0000 Natalie Wong,William Zheng,Olga Wong,Willa Wu Natalie Wong,William Zheng,Olga Wong,Willa Wu Beijing’s point man overseeing Hong Kong affairs plans to meet university heads, visit outlying islands and inspect a megadevelopment project near the border with mainland China during a five-day visit to the city, the Post has learned. Confirming an earlier Post report, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, would arrive in the city on Wednesday to inspect its development and attend a key forum on Saturday to mark the fifth... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3314687/xia-baolong-kick-5-day-visit-hong-kong-wednesday-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3314687/xia-baolong-kick-5-day-visit-hong-kong-wednesday-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jun 2025 03:27:00 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Two international conferences will be held in Hong Kong for the first time this month, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said, pledging that authorities will continue to attract more events to bring in high-end tourists and enhance the city’s global network. Lee said on Tuesday that several global conferences had made their Hong Kong debuts over the past three years, and two more important events would follow this month. They are the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3312846/2-global-conferences-make-hong-kong-debut-month-city-leader?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3312846/2-global-conferences-make-hong-kong-debut-month-city-leader?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Jun 2025 05:34:22 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Hong Kong authorities will take action against anyone who threatens national security, the chief executive has warned, as the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown approaches. Asked about the legality of commemorating June 4 by lighting candles or wearing clothing with related slogans in Causeway Bay, where annual vigils had been held for decades, city leader John Lee Ka-chiu said all activities must comply with the law. “Any activity on any day must comply with legal requirements.... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3312835/hong-kong-will-take-action-against-illegal-acts-john-lee-says-ahead-june-4?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3312835/hong-kong-will-take-action-against-illegal-acts-john-lee-says-ahead-june-4?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:33:18 +0000 Willa Wu Willa Wu Hong Kong’s leader has slammed organisations that claim to be professional yet defend members under tax investigations, warning that such attempts to pressure authorities will only “expose their ugly nature”. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said that authorities would pursue legal responsibility in accordance with the law, as he responded to a question on whether the government’s recent tax reviews on members of the Hong Kong Journalists Association were targeting independent media. Last... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3311931/no-special-privileges-tax-evasion-john-lee-tells-hongkongers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3311931/no-special-privileges-tax-evasion-john-lee-tells-hongkongers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 May 2025 05:16:49 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong’s leader has downplayed concerns over the sluggish economy following a recent string of business closures, citing the city’s anticipated growth in gross domestic product (GDP) and noting that the number of registered companies has hit a record high. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday also urged businesses to reform themselves amid what he called a “transitional period”, following the recent abrupt closure of the 33-year-old congee restaurant chain Ocean Empire. “New demands... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3311027/hong-kong-leader-downplays-business-closures-cites-gdp-growth-more-registered-companies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3311027/hong-kong-leader-downplays-business-closures-cites-gdp-growth-more-registered-companies?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 May 2025 05:13:35 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong’s business and academic circles should step up exchanges with their overseas counterparts to help counter the bias of Western governments against the city and Beijing, a top government adviser has said. Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, who is the convenor of the key decision-making Executive Council, said on Friday that non-governmental efforts could help build trust and, in turn, influence officials and politicians abroad. Ip was addressing a 2½-hour forum organised by the Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3309804/hong-kong-firms-should-step-ties-abroad-tackle-western-bias-regina-ip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3309804/hong-kong-firms-should-step-ties-abroad-tackle-western-bias-regina-ip?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 May 2025 12:17:43 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing A planned visit to the United States by Hong Kong business and political leaders at Easter was postponed to avoid any misunderstanding amid US-China tensions, the convenor of the city’s Executive Council revealed on Tuesday, as she announced details of a coming key summit. The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce said on April 17 that a delegation of 10 to 20 members and leaders would not depart for Dallas on April 24 as scheduled due to the rapidly changing geopolitical situation. It would... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3309315/hong-kong-host-crucial-summit-wake-political-elites-postponed-us-trip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3309315/hong-kong-host-crucial-summit-wake-political-elites-postponed-us-trip?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2025 15:12:23 +0000 Harvey Kong Harvey Kong Hong Kong should welcome all types of tourists irrespective of how much money they spend, the city’s leader has said, urging authorities to make better use of technology and collect data to understand visitor preferences. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that about 1.1 million visitors came to the city during the five-day Labour Day “golden week” holiday, an increase of 22 per cent compared with the same period in 2024. “Hong Kong has to be a city that welcomes tourists … because... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3309210/make-all-tourists-welcome-john-lee-tells-hongkongers-after-surge-budget-tours?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3309210/make-all-tourists-welcome-john-lee-tells-hongkongers-after-surge-budget-tours?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2025 05:27:37 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong should not give up on its traditional trade partners, such as the United States, a top government adviser has said, stressing that it is important for the city to distinguish between the US administration and business sector despite an escalating tariff war. Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, convenor of Hong Kong’s top policy decision-making body, the Executive Council, also said on Wednesday that she believed the US would lose in the trade war, pointing to the American Chamber of Commerce’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3306723/hong-kong-must-tell-us-government-business-sector-apart-regina-ip-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3306723/hong-kong-must-tell-us-government-business-sector-apart-regina-ip-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Apr 2025 04:53:22 +0000