https://www.scmp.com/rss/326252/feed Ambrose joined the City desk in 2023. Prior to the Post, he was a television documentary producer on current affairs around the region and is passionate about human interest stories. He holds degrees from Durham University and University College London. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong begins a five-day long weekend break for the Easter and Ching Ming Festival holidays on Friday, with authorities expecting busy inbound and outbound travel during the period. Mainland China marks the festival, also known as tomb-sweeping day, between Friday and Sunday. For Hongkongers remaining in the city and visitors from the mainland and elsewhere, the South China Morning Post lists key activities open to the public. Coffee festival The popular coffee festival returns to the West... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348841/looking-easter-holiday-inspiration-heres-whats-happening-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348841/looking-easter-holiday-inspiration-heres-whats-happening-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:03:18 +0000 Ambrose Li,Danny Mok Ambrose Li,Danny Mok The parent company of Hong Kong online retailer HKTVmall has defended its life science project involving testing the viability of detached animal heads and limbs, responding to animal ethics concerns by saying no pets were experimented on. The Hong Kong Technology Venture Company, which revealed the project in its annual results on Monday, said it believed the research to be a world first that could be applied to organ transplants, potentially extending human lifespan. “The related experiments... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348638/hktvmall-parent-firm-under-fire-testing-how-long-detached-animal-heads-can-survive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348638/hktvmall-parent-firm-under-fire-testing-how-long-detached-animal-heads-can-survive?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:14:21 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong has held onto its crown as the exclusive regional home of Art Basel for the next five years, the culture minister has announced, after a deal was struck to secure the partnership as the city looks to enhance its status as an international art-trading hub. Some galleries at a preview for the local edition of the world-renowned annual art fair told the South China Morning Post that global uncertainties had prompted collectors to take a greater interest in buying works from established... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347906/hong-kong-holds-art-basel-crown-5-more-years-thanks-new-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347906/hong-kong-holds-art-basel-crown-5-more-years-thanks-new-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:20:04 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Overseas galleries exhibiting at Art Central in Hong Kong are considering keeping their artworks in the city for months after the fair ends amid rising shipping prices as a result of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Ahead of the fair’s opening at the Central Harbourfront on Wednesday, gallerists told the South China Morning Post that fuel charges for shipping to Hong Kong had increased by as much as four times. Art Central brings together more than 100 galleries from the city, mainland China, South... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347730/visiting-galleries-may-keep-artworks-hong-kong-months-due-shipping-chaos?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347730/visiting-galleries-may-keep-artworks-hong-kong-months-due-shipping-chaos?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 10:37:54 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong will sign a five-year deal with Art Basel by the end of the month in the first such collaboration between the city’s cultural authorities and the premier fair, highlighting the link between financial investment and the development of the sector. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said on Monday the collaboration with Art Basel for the next five years was the “result of sustained investment in our role as a global financial centre, collaboration and a shared... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347598/hong-kong-sign-landmark-art-basel-collaboration-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347598/hong-kong-sign-landmark-art-basel-collaboration-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:30:34 +0000 Ambrose Li,Enid Tsui Ambrose Li,Enid Tsui Most overseas galleries were able to attend Hong Kong’s two annual art fairs, part of the much-anticipated Art March celebration, despite the conflict in the Middle East, though questions remain over how participants and artworks will leave the city as air travel continues to face heavy disruption. Organisers and logistics suppliers told the South China Morning Post that many inbound visitors would inevitably have to divert their journeys as interchange airports in Doha and Dubai were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347557/hong-kongs-art-march-celebrations-press-amid-middle-east-conflict-disruptions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347557/hong-kongs-art-march-celebrations-press-amid-middle-east-conflict-disruptions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:01:33 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong developer Sun Hung Kai Properties is betting big on arts and commercial projects at the West Kowloon Cultural District, banking on the city’s designated role as a cross-border asset and wealth management hub – even as the office rental market remains subdued. Sun Hung Kai Properties is positioning its projects to stand out within its 8 million sq ft portfolio of office and commercial space in West Kowloon, where it is also the sole developer in the arts hub building the Artist Square... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347505/hong-kong-developer-banks-arts-and-finance-synergy-west-kowloon-cultural-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347505/hong-kong-developer-banks-arts-and-finance-synergy-west-kowloon-cultural-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:30:20 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong’s West Kowloon arts hub has signed agreements with 12 international institutions from Australia, the UK, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, paving the way for future collaborations as the city seeks to strengthen its role as an East-meets-West cultural hub. The memorandums of understanding (MOUs) signed on Sunday by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority will help bring more international performances to the city, showcase Hong Kong productions to global audiences, support the exchange... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347496/hong-kong-arts-hub-strengthens-global-links-12-new-partnerships?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347496/hong-kong-arts-hub-strengthens-global-links-12-new-partnerships?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 13:51:04 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong’s Airport Authority is partnering with a private company to develop a HK$300 million (US$38.28 million) art storage facility set to open next year, as the city looks to cement its position as a global hub for trading valuable works. Speaking at a contract signing ceremony on Wednesday, authority CEO Vivian Cheung Kar-fay said Hong Kong was the world’s second-largest primary art trading market and a leading gateway connecting mainland China with the rest of the world. “By leveraging... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347059/hong-kongs-airport-authority-develop-hk300-million-art-storage-facility?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347059/hong-kongs-airport-authority-develop-hk300-million-art-storage-facility?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:39:08 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A Hong Kong court has given a couple eight weeks to consider their plea over charges of allegedly neglecting their five-year-old son, who was swept into the sea at a waterfront area during Super Typhoon Ragasa last year. Police revealed on Monday that the boy’s 40-year-old father, surnamed Yen, and 38-year-old mother, surnamed Li, were arrested in Chai Wan on January 6 and charged last Wednesday with ill-treatment or neglect by those in charge of a child or young person. A charge sheet filed at... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346714/couple-face-child-neglect-charges-after-son-swept-sea-during-typhoon-ragasa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346714/couple-face-child-neglect-charges-after-son-swept-sea-during-typhoon-ragasa?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:35:42 +0000 Edith Lin,Ambrose Li Edith Lin,Ambrose Li Hong Kong’s logistics sector has urged the government to intervene after major airlines said they would quadruple their cargo fuel surcharges from Friday, calling the adjustment unreasonable despite surging global oil prices. Gary Lau Ho-yin, chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics, said on Monday that the surcharge increases were far higher than the 30 to 40 per cent rise in international crude oil prices. “We expected major airlines to double their existing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346700/courier-sf-express-imposes-temporary-fuel-surcharges-within-hong-kong-and-macau?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346700/courier-sf-express-imposes-temporary-fuel-surcharges-within-hong-kong-and-macau?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 03:09:20 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li With two weeks of Hong Kong’s art month remaining, the city will continue to host a rich array of events, from a pop culture convention to a slew of exhibitions. The South China Morning Post highlights some of the shows taking place in the rest of March. From ComplexCon to classical concerts Pop culture festival ComplexCon will return to Hong Kong for its third edition on March 21 and 22, with headliners including Jennie from K-pop powerhouse Blackpink and American rapper Yeat, making his Asian... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346632/blackpinks-jennie-art-basel-cj-hendry-top-hong-kong-events-catch-march?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346632/blackpinks-jennie-art-basel-cj-hendry-top-hong-kong-events-catch-march?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 05:00:09 +0000 Ambrose Li,William Yiu Ambrose Li,William Yiu Hong Kong’s physiotherapy sector has urged the government to expand employment opportunities for locally trained professionals, warning that severe funding cuts will lead to a glut of practitioners, with the surplus projected to exceed 2,000 by 2040. In a letter to the authorities, the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association pointed to hiring freezes and job losses at NGOs as a result of budget cuts, even as the government continued to subsidise the training of physiotherapists. “These developments... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3346549/funding-cuts-trigger-calls-help-jobs-hong-kongs-physiotherapists?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3346549/funding-cuts-trigger-calls-help-jobs-hong-kongs-physiotherapists?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:20:07 +0000 Ambrose Li,Oscar Liu Ambrose Li,Oscar Liu Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has received at least 174 complaints after Taiwanese rock band Mayday cancelled one of its coming concerts at Kai Tak Sports Park and rescheduled it for later, sparking frustration among fans. The Consumer Council said that as of 5pm on Thursday, it had received complaints from 80 residents and 94 from outside Hong Kong, involving a total sum of HK$485,333 (US$62,010). The largest local claim amounted to HK$7,900, whereas the largest non-local case concerned... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346341/over-160-complaints-filed-after-mayday-shifts-hong-kong-show-consumer-council?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346341/over-160-complaints-filed-after-mayday-shifts-hong-kong-show-consumer-council?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:05:30 +0000 Ambrose Li,Danny Mok Ambrose Li,Danny Mok A man has been arrested after a collision involving more than 10 cars on a major bridge injured 11 people and forced the closure of most lanes leading to Hong Kong’s airport. Police said 10 vehicles were travelling in the fast lane of the Tsing Ma Bridge towards the airport when the crash occurred at 8.31am on Thursday. The chain collision was triggered by a vehicle that suddenly reduced speed, causing those behind to fail to brake in time. Another private car overturned into the middle lane and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346283/multi-car-crash-major-bridge-injures-10-shuts-hong-kong-airport-bound-lanes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346283/multi-car-crash-major-bridge-injures-10-shuts-hong-kong-airport-bound-lanes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 01:39:34 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A newly restored 4K film featuring the late Hong Kong superstar Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing will be part of this year’s Pop Culture Festival, but the government expects a 25 per cent drop in attendance over last year due to a shorter programme. Pat Wong Kit-yi, a chief manager at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, said on Wednesday the festival welcomed 800,000 visitors in 2025, but this year 600,000 were expected to attend. “We’ve condensed the festival by a month, lasting from April to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346256/late-superstar-leslie-cheung-add-magic-hong-kongs-pop-culture-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346256/late-superstar-leslie-cheung-add-magic-hong-kongs-pop-culture-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:03:34 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A protected Hong Kong wetland on southern Lantau Island has recorded a high concentration of petroleum following an oil spill in September, with levels up to 40 times higher than those in unaffected areas, according to an environmental group’s study. Greenpeace in Hong Kong said the high concentration could threaten local ecology. It urged authorities to investigate the oil spill and include unprotected sites with high ecological value in the priority conservation projects under the Biodiversity... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3346007/hong-kong-wetland-records-40-times-more-petroleum-after-oil-spill-greenpeace?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3346007/hong-kong-wetland-records-40-times-more-petroleum-after-oil-spill-greenpeace?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:30:18 +0000 Ambrose Li,Connor Mycroft,Theodora Yu,Leopold Chen Ambrose Li,Connor Mycroft,Theodora Yu,Leopold Chen Hong Kong authorities are trying to reserve seats for residents on weekend flights leaving Dubai, with some of those stranded in the Middle East having exhausted all options to secure tickets to get back home amid the escalating regional conflict. The government also said on Thursday that it had urged carrier Emirates to run more flights between Dubai and Hong Kong, as regional airspace remained largely closed. According to the government, Emirates plans to operate direct flights from Dubai to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3345535/safe-air-corridors-enable-stranded-hongkongers-return-middle-east-amid-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3345535/safe-air-corridors-enable-stranded-hongkongers-return-middle-east-amid-war?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:32:15 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li The conflict in Iran could raise cargo transport costs from Asia to Europe by at least 10 per cent, according to Hong Kong sector representatives, as major shipping companies have suspended bookings to and from the Middle East or imposed significant war-risk surcharges. Lawmaker Tommy Chung Ki-fung, who represents the import and export constituency, explained on Wednesday that rising fuel prices and longer voyages, among other factors, would lead to higher shipping costs. “I’d be more... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345394/10-rise-costs-expected-shipping-firms-halt-middle-east-bookings-add-risk-charges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345394/10-rise-costs-expected-shipping-firms-halt-middle-east-bookings-add-risk-charges?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:18:27 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong experienced its warmest winter on record between December and February, according to the city’s forecaster, with a mean temperature of 19.3 degrees Celsius (67 Fahrenheit) – two degrees above normal. The Hong Kong Observatory on Tuesday also attributed the unseasonably warm February to a weaker-than-normal northeast monsoon over southern China for most of the month, resulting in a mean temperature of 20.1 degrees, three degrees above normal. “Together with the well-above-normal... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3345294/hong-kong-logs-warmest-winter-record-averaging-2-degrees-celsius-above-normal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3345294/hong-kong-logs-warmest-winter-record-averaging-2-degrees-celsius-above-normal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:46:49 +0000 Ambrose Li,Kevin Li Ambrose Li,Kevin Li Adverse economic impacts from the US-Israel strikes on Iran unfolded on Monday, disrupting supply chains, driving up oil prices and leaving many Middle East business leaders at a major trade fair in Hong Kong in an awkward position. As the strikes entered a third day, oil prices surged by 13 per cent – the biggest rise in four years – briefly climbing above US$80 a barrel. Freight costs also jumped due to risks of potential damage to vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345130/hong-kong-exporters-and-exhibitors-face-fallout-us-israel-strikes-iran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345130/hong-kong-exporters-and-exhibitors-face-fallout-us-israel-strikes-iran?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:57:49 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li The average number of aspiring Hong Kong taxi drivers taking a crucial industry test each month has increased by nearly 30 per cent following the launch of a simplified version of the assessment last year, the transport minister has said. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also said on Saturday that the government was increasing the number of dedicated meeting spaces for the city’s five premium taxi fleets at cultural and business landmarks. “We streamlined the written test... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3344976/aspiring-taxi-drivers-taking-tests-each-month-30-after-simplified-assessment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3344976/aspiring-taxi-drivers-taking-tests-each-month-30-after-simplified-assessment?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:06:20 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Cruise ship calls in Hong Kong may exceed 200 this year, the city’s tourism minister has said, as she revealed that authorities will consider measures to create synergy between the terminal and an emerging cultural hub in Kai Tak. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui on Saturday also said cruise ships made 189 port calls in 2025, representing 88 per cent of peak levels, and Chinese vessels might stop in the city this year, which she described as “refreshing news”. “It’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344969/cruise-ship-calls-hong-kong-may-top-200-year-tourism-minister-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344969/cruise-ship-calls-hong-kong-may-top-200-year-tourism-minister-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:41:44 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A man who claims to have Aids has been arrested after hijacking a bus in Hong Kong and causing it to crash, the South China Morning Post has learned. A source said the 28-year-old mainland Chinese man, surnamed Miao, had blood stains on his hands when he was apprehended. The man also incoherently spoke in Chinese and appeared dazed, according to the insider. The 54-year-old Citybus driver, surnamed Choi, made a report to police at 6.45pm on Friday after upper-deck passengers told him that Miao... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344948/man-claiming-have-aids-arrested-after-hijacking-hong-kong-bus-causing-crash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3344948/man-claiming-have-aids-arrested-after-hijacking-hong-kong-bus-causing-crash?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 02:02:12 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li People will soon be able to buy Ethereum-based investment tokens for concerts in March and April, laying the groundwork for the introduction of tokenised gold in Hong Kong, according to an industry leader. Esperanza Fintech Group CEO Dan Ronald Leung Wai-tsun said on Tuesday the initiative would test public appetite for tokenised assets through entertainment before expanding into gold and stablecoin products. “Tokenised investments or tokenised concerts are to prepare for tokenised gold or... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344505/hong-kong-firm-test-tokenised-concert-stakes-ahead-digital-gold-trading?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344505/hong-kong-firm-test-tokenised-concert-stakes-ahead-digital-gold-trading?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 14:22:47 +0000 Oscar Liu,Ambrose Li Oscar Liu,Ambrose Li Hong Kong has for the first time introduced its own railway standards to support the use of cutting-edge construction technologies, and established a dedicated inspection unit to accelerate new projects – moves that analysts have said could lay the foundation for the city’s next decade of transport development. The Highways Department on Monday released a 336-page document outlining a unified and comprehensive set of technical references and guidelines for railway design, construction,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3344360/hong-kong-launches-own-rail-standards-enhance-safety-and-sustainability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3344360/hong-kong-launches-own-rail-standards-enhance-safety-and-sustainability?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:17:29 +0000 Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Hong Kong authorities will continue to provide an annual rental subsidy of HK$150,000 (US$19,193) to victims displaced by the deadly Tai Po blaze, even if they need to wait 2½ years to move into new homes under the government’s “flat-for-flat” resettlement scheme, a senior official has said. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun also said on Monday that residents currently living in transitional housing would be allowed to stay during the period. The government earlier unveiled a plan... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344304/hong-kong-fire-victims-keep-receiving-hk150000-subsidy-until-rehoused?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3344304/hong-kong-fire-victims-keep-receiving-hk150000-subsidy-until-rehoused?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:40:53 +0000 Fiona Chow,Ambrose Li Fiona Chow,Ambrose Li Crowds filled Hong Kong’s airport and a major cross-border rail terminal on the first day of Lunar New Year, with many visitors saying they chose to spend the holiday in the city to enjoy its festive spirit, food and mild weather. According to the latest Immigration Department data, more than 1.7 million Hongkongers made outbound trips from February 13 to 16, up from 1.47 million in the January 25 to 28 period last year. They include about 320,000 residents who left the city on Monday. Over the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343801/festive-buzz-hong-kong-visitors-pour-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343801/festive-buzz-hong-kong-visitors-pour-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:37:18 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong airport’s second terminal will fully open on May 27, authorities have announced, with the redeveloped facility set to serve as the base for 15 airlines. The terminal, which will mostly handle regional flights, is part of the airport’s HK$141.5 billion (US$18.1 billion) expansion project launched in 2016 that also included a third runway. Its coach hall opened in September. Fred Lam Tin-fuk, chairman of the Airport Authority, said on Tuesday that the first terminal, used mainly for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343786/hong-kong-airports-second-terminal-fully-open-serve-15-airlines-may-27?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343786/hong-kong-airports-second-terminal-fully-open-serve-15-airlines-may-27?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Feb 2026 03:31:30 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Jess Ma,Ambrose Li Lo Hoi-ying,Jess Ma,Ambrose Li Hongkongers and world leaders should take a step back and be careful to avoid conflicts during the Year of the Horse, feng shui masters have warned, saying the zodiac sign contains excessive “fire energy” that could trigger aggressive action. Soothsayers interviewed by the South China Morning Post said the coming year, which falls under the category of the “fire horse” in the lunar calendar, would remain volatile for China and be crisis-prone for the US. They also predicted that Hong Kong would... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343766/beware-excessive-fire-energy-year-horse-hong-kong-feng-shui-masters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343766/beware-excessive-fire-energy-year-horse-hong-kong-feng-shui-masters?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:00:12 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong will kick off the Year of the Horse on Tuesday with its annual night parade, featuring floats and performers from more than 60 countries and regions. The Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade will feature a street party at 6pm before the procession begins at 8pm in Tsim Sha Tsui. The South China Morning Post offers tips on how to make the most of the event. 1. What are the highlights? With Cathay Pacific Airways as title sponsor, the parade will showcase 12 floats... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343720/go-floats-how-you-can-enjoy-hong-kongs-annual-lunar-new-year-night-parade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343720/go-floats-how-you-can-enjoy-hong-kongs-annual-lunar-new-year-night-parade?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 07:34:31 +0000 Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Hongkongers made close to 1.4 million outbound trips in the three days leading up to Lunar New Year’s Eve, a 21.6 per cent increase from the same period last year, while inbound journeys by visitors rose by 5 per cent to more than 550,000. Despite the increase in departing residents, some restaurants reported a slight uptick in bookings for Lunar New Year’s Eve “reunion dinners”, an important custom in which Chinese families gather over a meal. Immigration Department data released on Monday... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343716/hongkongers-make-14-million-outbound-trips-ahead-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343716/hongkongers-make-14-million-outbound-trips-ahead-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:54:42 +0000 Danny Mok,Ambrose Li Danny Mok,Ambrose Li Electricity has been restored after a four-hour outage at a residential high-rise building in a Kwai Chung housing estate, caused by a suspected water leak that triggered a power cut ahead of Lunar New Year’s Eve. The city’s biggest electricity company, CLP Power, said that at around 9.13pm on Sunday, a suspected equipment fault at Ha Kwai House in Kwai Chung Estate disrupted supply to about 760 households. The power cut lasted four hours and electricity was restored at 1.30am on Monday. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343669/power-restored-after-4-hour-outage-plunges-760-hong-kong-flats-darkness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343669/power-restored-after-4-hour-outage-plunges-760-hong-kong-flats-darkness?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 02:21:57 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong has seen its hottest Lunar New Year’s Eve since records began in the 19th century, with the mercury hitting 27.9 degrees Celsius (82.2 Fahrenheit), 0.1 degrees above the previous record. The Hong Kong Observatory said temperatures on Monday were expected to range between 22 and 28 degrees. The previous record for the warmest Lunar New Year’s Eve was... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343667/hong-kong-set-warmest-lunar-new-years-eve-record-28-degrees?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3343667/hong-kong-set-warmest-lunar-new-years-eve-record-28-degrees?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 02:08:21 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Transport authorities have warned of heavier traffic on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge from Sunday because of the combined effect of a key link’s suspension in Zhuhai and increased travel over Lunar New Year. A temporary link between the mega bridge’s Zhuhai Port and Qinglu South Road will be closed for repairs from Sunday until further notice, with Hong Kong’s Transport Department urging users to plan ahead and use public transport as far as possible. Drivers could access the Zhuhai Port via... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343592/hong-kong-users-warned-heavier-mega-bridge-traffic-zhuhai-link-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3343592/hong-kong-users-warned-heavier-mega-bridge-traffic-zhuhai-link-suspended?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 12:31:53 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li The loss-making authority that manages Hong Kong’s West Kowloon arts hub will sell bonds for the first time, aimed at raising up to US$1 billion to fund its operations. According to documents submitted to Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing on Thursday, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority appointed the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) as arrangers for the medium-term note programme. This will mark the first time the authority, which manages... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343373/hong-kongs-west-kowloon-arts-hub-seeks-us1-billion-first-bond-sale-fund-operations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343373/hong-kongs-west-kowloon-arts-hub-seeks-us1-billion-first-bond-sale-fund-operations?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:17:42 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong restaurateurs expect earnings from family reunion dinners in the lead up to Lunar New Year to either remain stable or decline compared with last year despite an increase in bookings, citing a weak economy and a preference among customers for more affordable menu options. Lee Kwong-hoi, CEO of Star Seafood Restaurant Group, which runs 14 outlets across Hong Kong, said while bookings for reunion dinners had risen by 10 per cent year on year menu prices continued to hover around HK$3,000... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343338/bookings-bottom-lines-flat-hong-kong-reunion-dinners?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343338/bookings-bottom-lines-flat-hong-kong-reunion-dinners?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:06:37 +0000 Ambrose Li,William Yiu Ambrose Li,William Yiu Births in Hong Kong fell to a record low of 31,100 in 2025, but the education minister has insisted that school policies are not to blame. The Census and Statistics Department said on Thursday that the city’s population was provisionally estimated at 7.51 million in 2025, up 0.1 per cent year on year, with a net inflow of 29,100 Hong Kong residents. Some 50,000 deaths were recorded in the year. The number of births last year was 1,400 fewer than the previous record low of 32,500 in 2022. A... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343320/record-low-31100-births-hong-kong-2025?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3343320/record-low-31100-births-hong-kong-2025?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:10:33 +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 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A woman has been arrested on suspicion of illegally importing 112 birds estimated to be worth about HK$15,000 (US$1,920) into Hong Kong. The government said on Saturday that the suspect, aged 26, was allegedly found with a trolley of cages holding multiple birds each as she tried to pass through the Lo Wu border crossing. The birds were seized by customs as the woman was arrested. Authorities estimated the avians were worth HK$15,000. The case is currently under investigation by the Agriculture,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342786/woman-arrested-over-illegally-importing-112-birds-worth-hk15000?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342786/woman-arrested-over-illegally-importing-112-birds-worth-hk15000?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Feb 2026 14:20:48 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong’s first licensed ride-hailing platforms are expected to commence operations by the fourth quarter this year, while authorities have also proposed measures to improve taxi services as part of a transport blueprint. The Transport Department on Friday unveiled its 124-page strategy blueprint, covering areas including the low-altitude economy, autonomous vehicles, and a smart and green mass transit system. In the long run, with the complementary strengths of taxi and ride-hailing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3342630/hong-kong-launch-licensed-ride-hailing-services-fourth-quarter-2026?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3342630/hong-kong-launch-licensed-ride-hailing-services-fourth-quarter-2026?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Feb 2026 07:07:25 +0000 Ambrose Li,Jeffie Lam,Leopold Chen Ambrose Li,Jeffie Lam,Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison has launched arbitration proceedings to challenge a Panama court ruling that nullified its right to operate two ports at the country’s canal, hours after Beijing warned that the Central American nation would pay a heavy political and economic price. The conglomerate led by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing’s family on Wednesday said it strongly disagreed with the ruling by the country’s Supreme Court over the Panama Canal ports, which could take effect this month. It... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3342287/panama-could-pay-heavy-price-over-ck-hutchison-ports-ruling-beijing-warns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3342287/panama-could-pay-heavy-price-over-ck-hutchison-ports-ruling-beijing-warns?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:28:29 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong authorities are considering changing the proposed fine for smoking on a construction site to a fixed penalty of HK$3,000 (US$385) rather than a maximum of HK$150,000. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said on Tuesday that the initial plan was to amend the Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, which only stipulates the maximum fine to be determined by the courts rather than a fixed amount. The proposed smoking ban is in response to the deadly Tai Po blaze in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342284/hong-kong-consider-hk3000-fixed-penalty-smoking-construction-sites?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342284/hong-kong-consider-hk3000-fixed-penalty-smoking-construction-sites?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 15:24:54 +0000 Ambrose Li,Jeffie Lam Ambrose Li,Jeffie Lam Hong Kong’s retail sales rose 1 per cent in 2025 after recording a 6.6 per cent year‑on‑year increase in December, with authorities saying that improving consumer sentiment and growth in visitor arrivals would continue to support the sector. Figures released by the Census and Statistics Department on Tuesday estimated that the value of December’s retail sales reached HK$35 billion (US$4.48 billion), marking a fourth consecutive month of growth above 6 per cent year on year. For the whole of last... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3342238/hong-kongs-retail-sales-edge-1-2025-after-73-decline-2024?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3342238/hong-kongs-retail-sales-edge-1-2025-after-73-decline-2024?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:07:40 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li More private hospitals in Hong Kong are expected to join the government’s free newborn screening programme for rare genetic conditions this year, according to health authorities. The scheme tests newborns for inherited metabolic disorders, enabling early identification and treatment while easing the long-term burden on the public healthcare system. The programme, launched in 2020, already covers all babies born in public hospitals. Last year, the screening was extended to two private ones under... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342134/hong-kong-aims-enlist-more-private-hospitals-free-newborn-screening-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3342134/hong-kong-aims-enlist-more-private-hospitals-free-newborn-screening-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:10:17 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Art logistics and storage companies are expanding in Hong Kong with an eye on the Greater Bay Area market, following the local government’s pledge to make the city a world leader in art trading. Crozier’s storage space across three locations in the city increased from about 60,000 sq ft (5,600 square metres) to 95,000 sq ft last year, Ken Ng, general manager of the American company’s Hong Kong arm, told the South China Morning Post. “It’s a 50 per cent growth in size, which reflects Crozier’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341975/art-storage-companies-expand-hong-kong-amid-government-promotion-sector?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341975/art-storage-companies-expand-hong-kong-amid-government-promotion-sector?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Feb 2026 04:22:54 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong authorities have arrested two men and two women in an undercover operation targeting those allegedly working illegally as cleaners and renovation workers, after mainland Chinese businesses advertised their services online ahead of Lunar New Year. Chan Yan-kit, a task force deputy commander of the Immigration Department, said on Friday that the operation was conducted between January 22 and 29, with officers posing as customers to lure suspects into the city before arresting them. They... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341818/4-arrested-crackdown-mainland-chinese-firms-offering-illegal-labour-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341818/4-arrested-crackdown-mainland-chinese-firms-offering-illegal-labour-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:53:35 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong police are investigating an alleged robbery in which 58 million yen (US$376,600) was stolen outside a currency exchange shop in Sheung Wan. The force said a passer-by reported the case at 9.47am on Friday, with initial investigations suggesting two men escaped with the cash, equivalent to HK$2.94 million, near 272 Des Voeux Road Central. The pair, one believed to be in his twenties and the other in his teens, got into a private vehicle after taking the cash and fled the scene, police... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341792/hong-kong-police-probe-theft-58-million-japanese-yen-currency-exchange-shop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3341792/hong-kong-police-probe-theft-58-million-japanese-yen-currency-exchange-shop?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:20:21 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A French aeronautics services company and a Hong Kong aviation engineering company signed a joint venture deal on Thursday to establish an aircraft dismantling and parts trading facility in the city, with operations targeted to begin within the year. But the project’s launch will hinge on the availability of a separate plot of land with barge and truck access. This site is required for recycling fuselages once the parts that can be traded have been removed, to avoid a bottleneck in the entire... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341728/hong-kong-firm-and-elior-group-ink-deal-set-aircraft-dismantling-centre?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3341728/hong-kong-firm-and-elior-group-ink-deal-set-aircraft-dismantling-centre?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:41:25 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Hong Kong rail giant the MTR Corporation has raised a record A$2 billion (US$1.4 billion) in its first-ever issuance of Australian dollar-denominated green bonds to fund environmentally friendly projects, marking the country’s largest order book. The bonds, issued in two equal tranches, were oversubscribed more than sixfold by a variety of investors, the MTR Corp said on Tuesday. The offering represented the largest-ever Australian dollar corporate green bond issuance and the largest... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3341394/hong-kongs-mtr-corp-raises-record-a2-billion-first-australian-dollar-green-bond-sale?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3341394/hong-kongs-mtr-corp-raises-record-a2-billion-first-australian-dollar-green-bond-sale?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 08:19:54 +0000