https://www.scmp.com/rss/501131/feed Rachel joined the Post in 2020 and specialises in macro-economic news in Hong Kong, including tourism and consumer issues. She graduated with a journalism degree from Hong Kong Baptist University and also previously interned for The Wall Street Journal. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority has stepped up efforts to ease the burden on its facilities from rising Covid-19 infections, but noted that flu cases had already peaked and were on the decline. The measures included opening another ward at an infection control centre, transferring stable patients to private hospitals, and adding manpower and beds as needed. “We noticed that for influenza, the number of cases has risen sharply in the past few weeks, but it seems over the past week it has already... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3220100/coronavirus-hong-kongs-hospital-authority-steps-efforts-ease-burden-its-facilities-says-flu-cases?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3220100/coronavirus-hong-kongs-hospital-authority-steps-efforts-ease-burden-its-facilities-says-flu-cases?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 May 2023 12:05:22 +0000 A Hong Kong children’s clothing retail chain known for its anti-government stance on Wednesday announced it would cease remaining operations next month, as its supply chain in mainland China had been cut off. Businessman Herbert Chow Siu-lung, founder and CEO of Chickeeduck, said its Causeway Bay store and online website would shut down after June 30, ending 33 years in the market. In a Facebook post on his personal page on Tuesday, Chow said he “could not bear” to close down the chain, but his... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3220038/hong-kong-retail-chain-chickeeduck-famed-protest-stance-cease-all-operations-mainland-china-supply?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3220038/hong-kong-retail-chain-chickeeduck-famed-protest-stance-cease-all-operations-mainland-china-supply?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 May 2023 05:55:08 +0000 Rachel Yeo Rachel Yeo Hong Kong’s anti-graft agency has charged three parents and a merchant over bribes totalling HK$340,000 (US$43,300) to a former administrator of an international kindergarten in the city. The alleged bribes were made to secure places for K1 classes at the ESF Wu Kai Sha International Kindergarten for two school years between 2019 and 2021, according to a statement from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on Tuesday. Parents Michelle Wong Mei-suet, 37, Mak Wai-ki, 41, and Zhu... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3219903/3-hong-kong-parents-businessman-charged-icac-over-bribes-totalling-more-hk340000-school-staff-secure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3219903/3-hong-kong-parents-businessman-charged-icac-over-bribes-totalling-more-hk340000-school-staff-secure?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 May 2023 06:18:22 +0000 At least 60 per cent of Japanese-affiliated companies in Hong Kong have expressed an interest in expanding their operations to regions covered by the world’s largest free-trade pact, including the Greater Bay Area and Asean, a survey has found. Although Hong Kong is not yet a member of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), almost 90 per cent of 104 Japanese companies surveyed said they believed the city’s core strength as a hub for the trade pact lay in its business networks... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3219835/most-japanese-firms-hong-kong-keen-expanding-operations-regions-covered-worlds-largest-free-trade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3219835/most-japanese-firms-hong-kong-keen-expanding-operations-regions-covered-worlds-largest-free-trade?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 May 2023 13:23:30 +0000 Hong Kong marked a smooth launch to its new automatic toll system on Sunday after earlier delays, but about 16 per cent of 25,375 vehicles that passed through the Tsing-Sha Control Area were detected without the required payment tags. A representative from the Transport Department revealed that as of 5.30pm the HKeToll system found 4,084 cars without the installations that would allow automatic payment. The Tsing Sha Highway charges a flat rate of HK$8 (US$1). Commissioner for Transport Rosanna... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3219672/hong-kong-marks-smooth-launch-new-hketoll-automatic-payment-tunnels-17-cent-passing-cars-detected?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3219672/hong-kong-marks-smooth-launch-new-hketoll-automatic-payment-tunnels-17-cent-passing-cars-detected?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 May 2023 06:12:18 +0000 A week ago, a WhatsApp message popped up on my smartphone describing an easy, lucrative freelance job requiring no skills and allowing me the freedom to work from home in Hong Kong or anywhere I liked. “Kristy” was not in my contact list. Using a Vietnam mobile phone number, she claimed to represent an American-based recruitment website, Glassdoor. Curious to know what would happen next, I replied that I needed a job. Kristy said I had to be at least 22 years old, with a local bank account, and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3219626/how-phone-fraudsters-tried-trick-scmp-reporter-giving-her-hong-kong-bank-details-lure-easy-money?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3219626/how-phone-fraudsters-tried-trick-scmp-reporter-giving-her-hong-kong-bank-details-lure-easy-money?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 May 2023 01:00:22 +0000 Hong Kong’s economy rebounded with a 2.7 per cent growth in the first quarter due to a rise in inbound tourism and domestic consumption, the city’s leader revealed on Tuesday, striking an upbeat note for the coming months by pointing to the surge in cross-border visitors during “golden week”. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he expected an influx of 600,000 mainland Chinese visitors across the five-day break, which started on Saturday. He dismissed concerns that tours to various... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3219085/hong-kongs-economy-grew-27-cent-first-quarter-john-lee-reveals-while-hailing-golden-week-tourism-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3219085/hong-kongs-economy-grew-27-cent-first-quarter-john-lee-reveals-while-hailing-golden-week-tourism-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 May 2023 03:25:38 +0000 Rachel Yeo Rachel Yeo Applications for a much-awaited scheme allowing Hong Kong motorists to cross the border into mainland China in their private cars will open from June 1, a month before its launch. The Transport and Logistics Bureau on Monday released details after Hong Kong and Guangdong provincial authorities agreed to set a maximum of 200 applications per working day in the first week of operations. Application quotas will increase to 300 from the second week and are set to be gradually expanded upon... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3218989/applications-much-awaited-mega-bridge-scheme-hongkongers-drive-mainland-china-private-cars-open-june?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3218989/applications-much-awaited-mega-bridge-scheme-hongkongers-drive-mainland-china-private-cars-open-june?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 May 2023 06:30:55 +0000 The co-director of controversial Hong Kong documentary To My Nineteen-year-old Self has “deeply apologised” to Ying Wa Girls’ School for his acceptance speech at a top awards ceremony, admitting he was insensitive and had caused misunderstanding. The coming-of-age documentary, directed by Mabel Cheung Yuen-ting and William Kwok Wai-lun, won best picture at the 41st Hong Kong Film Awards last month, despite being embroiled in controversy after one student interviewee said she had not consented to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3218976/co-director-controversial-hong-kong-film-my-nineteen-year-old-self-apologises-school-awards?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3218976/co-director-controversial-hong-kong-film-my-nineteen-year-old-self-apologises-school-awards?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 May 2023 05:09:51 +0000 As soon as Hong Kong housewife Chan Tung-wan received HK$3,000 (US$382) worth of consumption vouchers last month, she spent them all in one day on household necessities and clothes for her two toddlers. The e-vouchers did not go very far but helped to ease the family’s financial burden. “Most of our expenses for our children every month are for tuition,” said Chan, 31, whose husband works in construction and earns HK$16,000 a month. She was among Hong Kong residents eligible for the latest round... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218908/hong-kong-consumption-vouchers-gone-flash-boosting-retail-and-catering-sectors-fizzling-out-fast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218908/hong-kong-consumption-vouchers-gone-flash-boosting-retail-and-catering-sectors-fizzling-out-fast?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 May 2023 01:00:10 +0000 More than 110,000 tourists from mainland China left Hong Kong on the first day of the “golden week” holiday while about 165,000 crossed the border into the city, with travellers citing soaring hotel prices and the convenience of the high-speed rail link as reasons for making short visits. The number of overnight stays was also affected as medium- and long-haul passenger flights had not yet reached half of pre-pandemic levels, Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners executive director Caspar Tsui... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218907/are-hong-kongs-hotel-prices-pushing-mainland-chinese-tourists-away-110000-leave-city-first-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218907/are-hong-kongs-hotel-prices-pushing-mainland-chinese-tourists-away-110000-leave-city-first-day?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Apr 2023 06:17:56 +0000 Hong Kong’s food and catering sector has said it expected a 20 per cent jump in business from the mainland China “golden week” holiday, but warned that a continued staff shortage could leave would-be diners facing long queues. Ray Chui Man-wai, the chairman of Kam Kee Holdings, which runs 44 restaurants with about 1,000 employees, said earlier this week he expected the holidays to boost takings. “We are not worried about getting business. Instead, we are worried about whether we have the ability... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218716/visitors-over-hong-kongs-golden-week-could-boost-restaurant-sector-20-cent-industry-warns-staff?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218716/visitors-over-hong-kongs-golden-week-could-boost-restaurant-sector-20-cent-industry-warns-staff?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Apr 2023 08:00:24 +0000 Movie lovers would be able to use their discount cinema tickets from the HK$20 million (US$2.5 million) “Happy Hong Kong” campaign to watch the latest films and a selection of re-released titles, an industry representative said on Tuesday. As part of Saturday’s “Cinema Day 2023”, more than 200,000 film fans will be able to buy tickets for HK$30 per head, around a quarter of the usual prices. How to make the most of ‘Happy Hong Kong’: from HK$30 films to gourmet bites Financial Secretary Paul... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218231/movie-lovers-can-use-discount-tickets-under-happy-hong-kong-campaign-watch-new-titles-old-favourites?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218231/movie-lovers-can-use-discount-tickets-under-happy-hong-kong-campaign-watch-new-titles-old-favourites?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Apr 2023 03:09:53 +0000 Hong Kong hotel room rates have surged by as much as five times in the run-up to the Labour Day “golden week” holiday, the Post has found, even though bookings remain below pre-pandemic levels according to an industry leader. Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners executive director Caspar Tsui Ying-wai, a former government minister, on Monday said he was optimistic that occupancy rates would reach 90 per cent during the holiday starting on May 1 although bookings were not coming in as fast as in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218191/hong-kong-hotel-room-rates-surge-ahead-labour-day-golden-week-holiday-prices-much-5-times-higher?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218191/hong-kong-hotel-room-rates-surge-ahead-labour-day-golden-week-holiday-prices-much-5-times-higher?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:38:52 +0000 Hong Kong flagship carrier Cathay Pacific Airways on Monday morning rolled out more than 27,000 tickets to 26 countries, available to city residents and those in the Greater Bay Area. The online process to qualify for the round-trip, economy-class tickets was mostly smooth, but some users reported difficulties in finding a link for the giveaway form, which launched at 10am. The promotional drive is part of a 700,000-ticket lucky draw handled by local airlines under the government’s “Hello Hong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218108/smooth-take-cathay-pacifics-free-ticket-drive-aimed-hong-kong-and-greater-bay-area-residents-27000?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218108/smooth-take-cathay-pacifics-free-ticket-drive-aimed-hong-kong-and-greater-bay-area-residents-27000?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Apr 2023 04:26:22 +0000 Hong Kong’s tourism industry is gearing up for an expected influx of 600,000 mainland Chinese visitors during the Labour Day “golden week” holiday, although the catering and hotel sectors have warned that manpower shortages persist. It will be the first Labour Day golden week holiday after more than three years of pandemic-related border closures. Quarantine-free travel between the mainland and Hong Kong resumed fully in February. Hello Hong Kong: how do I get free airline tickets and what else... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218071/hong-kong-gears-expected-600000-mainland-chinese-visitors-labour-day-golden-week-hotels-restaurants?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218071/hong-kong-gears-expected-600000-mainland-chinese-visitors-labour-day-golden-week-hotels-restaurants?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Apr 2023 13:38:44 +0000 An Australian driver involved in a crash that killed five people including a Hong Kong resident was reportedly fined for speeding and released by police just three minutes before the accident in the state of Victoria. Christopher Dillon Joannidis, 29, was driving at 118km/h (73mph) in a 100km/h zone at about 1.40pm on Thursday when he was pulled over by police, questioned and fined before being released at 2.18pm, Australian media reported. Just three minutes later, Joannidis was involved in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3218062/driver-involved-crash-killed-hongkonger-4-others-australia-fined-speeding-released-police-just-3?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3218062/driver-involved-crash-killed-hongkonger-4-others-australia-fined-speeding-released-police-just-3?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Apr 2023 11:58:35 +0000 Hong Kong is now in a “golden window for development” as economic activities are recovering at an accelerated pace, according to the city’s finance minister. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po on Sunday said in his official blog that the city’s edge as a regional hub had returned with the resumption of global transport capacity. “Hong Kong enjoys favourable timing, geographical location, and social harmony, and is now in a golden window for development,” he said. “After the pandemic, economic... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218039/hong-kong-now-golden-window-development-quick-revival-economic-activities-finance-chief-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3218039/hong-kong-now-golden-window-development-quick-revival-economic-activities-finance-chief-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Apr 2023 06:41:38 +0000 Hong Kong cut funding for its struggling tourism sector by almost 40 per cent even as the loss-making Ocean Park received HK$784 million (US$99.9 million) of taxpayer dollars in the last financial year. Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Joe Wong Chi-cho this week defended the HK$951.5 million allocated to the industry for the 2023-24 financial year. The figure, stated in legislative documents released earlier this month, was picked up by some lawmakers who challenged the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3217974/struggling-hong-kong-tourism-sector-asks-why-city-slashed-support-hk576-million-helped-loss-making?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3217974/struggling-hong-kong-tourism-sector-asks-why-city-slashed-support-hk576-million-helped-loss-making?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Apr 2023 05:00:07 +0000 Mainland Chinese businesswoman Huang Ying made her first trip to Hong Kong in three years over the Easter holidays, hoping to find a bargain on luxury cosmetics in the Kowloon shopping district of Mong Kok. But the 34-year-old from Shandong province was dismayed to find that the items she liked cost 20 to 30 per cent more than in Japan or South Korea where they were made. “Even though Hong Kong is closer, it has become less and less worth the trip,” she said. She ended up buying popular... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3217505/why-are-mainland-chinese-tourists-cool-hong-kongs-attractions-luxury-goods-lose-lustre-and-language?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3217505/why-are-mainland-chinese-tourists-cool-hong-kongs-attractions-luxury-goods-lose-lustre-and-language?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Apr 2023 01:00:10 +0000 Grocery prices in Hong Kong have surged 10 per cent from pre-pandemic levels, while canned food is at least 30 per cent more expensive, according to a survey by the city’s consumer watchdog. The Consumer Council on Monday revealed results of its comparison of the costs of 80 items across 15 selected groups through its “Online Price Watch” tool, which found that the four types of goods with the largest price increase were all canned items. It said the items were from Hong Kong’s three major... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3217294/hong-kong-grocery-prices-10-cent-pre-covid-era-canned-food-least-30-cent-more-costly-consumer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3217294/hong-kong-grocery-prices-10-cent-pre-covid-era-canned-food-least-30-cent-more-costly-consumer?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Apr 2023 05:04:57 +0000 All 27 samples of dried goji berries tested by Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog were found to contain various types of heavy metals, with lead concentrations close to the local limit detected in two batches. Revealing the results on Monday, the Consumer Council also said pesticides that could pose health risks were found in 70 per cent of the samples, although at levels within local and European standards. Goji berries are typically considered a superfood and commonly used in traditional Chinese... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3217284/hong-kong-consumer-watchdog-warns-heavy-metals-and-pesticides-dried-goji-berries-2-samples-exceed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3217284/hong-kong-consumer-watchdog-warns-heavy-metals-and-pesticides-dried-goji-berries-2-samples-exceed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Apr 2023 04:17:55 +0000 Winners of major award categories: Best Film: To My Nineteen-year-old Self Best Actress: Sammi Cheng Sau-man in Lost Love Best Actor: Sean Lau Ching-wan in Detective vs Sleuths Best New Performer: Sahal Zaman in The Sunny Side of the Street Best New Director: Ho Cheuk-tin for The Sparring Partner Best Film Editing: Lee Him-ming, Zhang Zhao and Jojo Shek for The Sparring Partner Best Screenplay: Wai Ka-fai, Ryker Chan, Mak Tin-shu for Detective vs Sleuths Best Director: Wai Ka-fai... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3217251/academy-award-winner-michelle-yeoh-spotlight-hong-kong-film-awards-returns-city-where-career-took?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3217251/academy-award-winner-michelle-yeoh-spotlight-hong-kong-film-awards-returns-city-where-career-took?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Apr 2023 10:56:14 +0000 Hong Kong immigration officials have taken more than a week to confirm the deaths of four residents in a car accident in mainland China’s Fujian province, with a lawmaker calling on officials to provide more timely updates on such incidents across the border. The accident in Fuzhou city in early April led to the deaths of four passengers, while the driver, who is also a Hong Kong resident, suffered minor injuries, the Immigration Department told the Post early on Thursday, hours after local... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3216898/hong-kong-officials-take-week-confirm-4-deaths-car-accident-across-border-legislator-calls-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3216898/hong-kong-officials-take-week-confirm-4-deaths-car-accident-across-border-legislator-calls-more?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Apr 2023 05:30:59 +0000 After three years of not travelling since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, 25-year-old Hongkonger Mena Liu missed the feeling of stepping onto an aeroplane the most. The software developer is in South Korea for 11 days from April 1 to 11 exploring Busan and Jeju Island during the Easter holidays, the longest break since all travel restrictions in Hong Kong were lifted. Liu had yearned to travel since the city’s borders reopened and the government started gradually loosening strict Covid-19 rules,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3216099/thousands-hongkongers-chase-wanderlust-over-easter-holiday-japan-most-popular-destination?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3216099/thousands-hongkongers-chase-wanderlust-over-easter-holiday-japan-most-popular-destination?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Apr 2023 01:00:23 +0000 More than 200 UK-based medical students and doctors attended a Hospital Authority recruitment event in London over the weekend in the organisation’s latest attempt to lure non-locally trained talent to Hong Kong amid a manpower shortage. The authority’s chief executive Tony Ko Pat-sing spoke to students and professionals during the “Hong Kong Day” in-person and online event on Sunday, detailing what it was like to work in the city’s public healthcare sector and the career pathways on offer. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3215749/hong-kong-hospital-authority-chief-promotes-city-uk-based-medical-students-doctors-recruitment-drive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3215749/hong-kong-hospital-authority-chief-promotes-city-uk-based-medical-students-doctors-recruitment-drive?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Apr 2023 12:13:15 +0000 More than 9 million people are expected to pass through Hong Kong’s border control points during the Ching Ming Festival and Easter next week, the Immigration Department has said, estimating a sharp year-on-year increase in travellers during the first long holiday after the lifting of Covid-19 curbs. The department on Thursday also said 83.5 per cent, or 7.54 million, of the passengers would enter and leave Hong Kong through land boundary control points from April 1 to 10, with the data... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3215431/9-million-people-expected-pass-through-hong-kongs-border-control-points-over-ching-ming-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3215431/9-million-people-expected-pass-through-hong-kongs-border-control-points-over-ching-ming-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Mar 2023 10:47:06 +0000 Hong Kong star Tony Leung Chiu-wai is to become the first Chinese actor to be honoured with a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement by the prestigious Venice Film Festival. The Golden Lion is the top prize for those who have made major contributions to cinema at the annual festival, the world’s oldest and now in its 80th year. Earlier winners of the coveted trophy include silver screen luminaries such as Clint Eastwood and Jamie Lee Curtis. The announcement was made on Monday as part of the... https://www.scmp.com/culture/article/3215302/odd-job-man-golden-guy-story-hong-kong-star-tony-leungs-sometimes-rocky-path-top-award-prestigious?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/culture/article/3215302/odd-job-man-golden-guy-story-hong-kong-star-tony-leungs-sometimes-rocky-path-top-award-prestigious?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Mar 2023 14:05:30 +0000 A pair of red high heels and a white feather suit worn by Hong Kong’s late “King of Cantopop” Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing during concerts in 1997 and 2000 will be exhibited to the public for the first time as part of a collection of memorabilia and awards celebrating his life and work. The two rare items are on loan from the star’s long-time partner Daffy Tong Hok-tak, and will be showcased at the “Miss You Much Leslie Exhibition” at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin to commemorate the 20th... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3215158/leslie-cheungs-life-work-display-hong-kong-red-high-heels-white-feather-suit-worn-1997-and-2000?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3215158/leslie-cheungs-life-work-display-hong-kong-red-high-heels-white-feather-suit-worn-1997-and-2000?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Mar 2023 13:08:08 +0000 Hong Kong’s tourism minister has pledged to work with the industry to tackle “poor quality” travel groups by implementing stricter controls, amid complaints of mainland Chinese visitors eating on the streets and outside public toilets. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung on Monday weighed in on the issue after the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) said it would consider halting new applications for more stores servicing such travellers. The authority said it had for the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3214960/hong-kong-weighs-halt-stores-serving-mainland-chinese-tour-groups-amid-complaints-crowding-hygiene?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3214960/hong-kong-weighs-halt-stores-serving-mainland-chinese-tour-groups-amid-complaints-crowding-hygiene?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:47:34 +0000 Hong Kong’s health chief has demanded a report from the Hospital Authority (HA) after some emergency services at a major public facility in the New Territories were suspended due to flooding following Saturday’s downpour. “We are very concerned about the situation, especially when the rainy season is approaching,” Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said on Sunday, a day after Tuen Mun Hospital flooded amid the city’s first amber rainstorm warning of the year. “We have to ensure hospitals are... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3214909/hong-kongs-health-chief-demands-report-after-flooding-public-hospital-causes-service-suspension?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3214909/hong-kongs-health-chief-demands-report-after-flooding-public-hospital-causes-service-suspension?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Mar 2023 11:33:58 +0000 Tourists may be returning to Hong Kong after more than three years of the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is not yet business as usual for tour agent Lorena Fernandez Chaves. Her agency, Vive Hong Kong, specialises in walking tours conducted in Spanish and Portuguese, but is struggling to find tour guides as the authorities have stopped running guide courses for those who speak English and other foreign languages. All tour guides in the city must be trained and certified by the Travel Industry... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3214880/visitors-return-hong-kong-no-training-courses-new-tour-guides-who-speak-english-other-foreign?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3214880/visitors-return-hong-kong-no-training-courses-new-tour-guides-who-speak-english-other-foreign?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Mar 2023 07:00:21 +0000 Zoey Wang missed the heyday of Hong Kong’s “King of Cantopop” Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing, but she says the award-winning actor and singer shaped the way her life turned out. Originally from Changsha in mainland China, she said: “Because of my love for Leslie, I started to dream of becoming a Hong Kong citizen at the age of 16. It led me to come to Hong Kong to study, work and live.” Now 25 and working for a non-profit in the city, she is among Cheung’s legion of loyal fans who will mark the 20th... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3214879/remembering-leslie-cheung-20-years-have-passed-hong-kong-fans-devotion-cantopop-legend-lives?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3214879/remembering-leslie-cheung-20-years-have-passed-hong-kong-fans-devotion-cantopop-legend-lives?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 26 Mar 2023 03:00:24 +0000 Advance ticket sales for high-speed rail services from Hong Kong to various mainland Chinese cities will start on Thursday as the MTR Corporation adds five new destinations in Guangdong, Jiangxi and Hebei provinces. The five new stations – Changping, Huizhoubei, Heyuandong, Ganzhouxi and Shengfang – will bring the number of mainland destinations to 66, according to a statement released by the public transport operator on Tuesday. “Easter will be the first long holiday after Hong Kong resumes... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3214271/hong-kongs-mtr-corporation-adds-5-new-mainland-chinese-destinations-train-services-get-back-track?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3214271/hong-kongs-mtr-corporation-adds-5-new-mainland-chinese-destinations-train-services-get-back-track?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Mar 2023 06:52:22 +0000 Retired Hong Kong Catholic leader Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun was discharged from hospital more than a month ago after being admitted in January for breathing difficulties, a fellow priest has revealed. Reverend Carlos Cheung on Monday told the Post about Zen’s discharge and latest condition. The cardinal had earlier in the day posted a photo on Facebook showing him smiling with two plates of pie on a table, with some users commenting he had lost weight. “He can walk and is just like before he... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3214104/retired-hong-kong-catholic-leader-joseph-zen-discharged-hospital-after-receiving-treatment-breathing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3214104/retired-hong-kong-catholic-leader-joseph-zen-discharged-hospital-after-receiving-treatment-breathing?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Mar 2023 01:40:55 +0000 Demand for Hong Kong tour packages among mainland Chinese travellers has failed to take off despite the reopening of the border, travel agents have said, while some visitors have complained the city has lost its edge as a shopping paradise. The situation has sparked a debate between Hong Kong’s tourism sector, which insists that tax-free shopping items are still appealing to mainland travellers, and its counterpart across the border urging the city to change its strategy to draw in visitors. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3214096/shopping-paradise-no-more-mainland-chinese-tourists-travel-agents-disagree-over-hong-kongs-appeal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3214096/shopping-paradise-no-more-mainland-chinese-tourists-travel-agents-disagree-over-hong-kongs-appeal?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:00:20 +0000 Rachel Yeo Rachel Yeo Bangkok resident RJ Rojvirasingh welcomed the news that he will be able to use his Thai banking application for electronic payments in Hong Kong the next time he is in the city. The business consultant, 36, said he was a regular user of PromptPay, a popular app in Thailand that allows customers to make e-payments directly from their bank accounts. “If I can use it in Hong Kong, that will be good,” said Rojvirasingh, who is planning a holiday in the city with his girlfriend next year. Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3213996/better-late-never-hong-kong-plays-catch-schemes-allowing-e-payment-across-borders-boon-travellers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3213996/better-late-never-hong-kong-plays-catch-schemes-allowing-e-payment-across-borders-boon-travellers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Mar 2023 04:30:09 +0000 Visitors to Hong Kong will be treated to extra promotional offers, including discounted train tickets and dining coupons, in a more than HK$20 million (US$2.55 million) enhancement to the city’s tourism drive, while arrival figures in February almost tripled from a month earlier. The Hong Kong Tourism Board revealed on Wednesday that 1.46 million people visited the city in February – the first time the monthly figure has surpassed 1 million since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in early... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3213620/hong-kong-tourism-campaign-deliver-more-coupons-discounts-hk20-million-injection?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3213620/hong-kong-tourism-campaign-deliver-more-coupons-discounts-hk20-million-injection?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Mar 2023 10:03:48 +0000 The number of visitors to Hong Kong from mainland China and overseas has jumped more than threefold after a major campaign to attract tourists was launched last month in the wake of the city dropping its final Covid-19 restrictions – but recovery has failed to meet expectations. Industry insiders on Monday said growth was slower than expected despite figures increasing from 162,836 between January 29 and February 4 to 526,066 for the week ending on March 11. Some blamed a lack of flights for the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3213405/lack-airlift-hitting-tourism-industrys-efforts-take-flight-after-covid-19-experts-say-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3213405/lack-airlift-hitting-tourism-industrys-efforts-take-flight-after-covid-19-experts-say-recovery?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:19:06 +0000 Hong Kong’s health chief has sought to clarify a controversial government proposal requiring dental graduates to work at public institutions, saying it only meant to ask them to fulfil a one-year internship and had not decided whether to make staying on afterwards compulsory. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau on Sunday did not commit to whether the scope of public dental services would be expanded with the roll-out of the new requirement after critics argued the proposal might only help civil... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3213247/hong-kongs-health-chief-says-dental-graduates-internship-proposal-not-set-stone-face-fierce?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3213247/hong-kongs-health-chief-says-dental-graduates-internship-proposal-not-set-stone-face-fierce?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Mar 2023 07:41:36 +0000 A passenger ship operated by Singapore’s Resorts World Cruises, set up by Malaysian tycoon Lim Kok Thay following the demise of his Genting Hong Kong, has arrived in the city and made Kai Tak Cruise Terminal its home port. The ship, formerly Explorer Dream and rebranded Resorts World One, became the first cruise ship to make the terminal its home base since the Covid-19 pandemic decimated the sector. It set off on its inaugural cruise from Hong Kong on Friday evening, with nearly 3,000... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3213111/hong-kong-cruises-future-arrival-resorts-world-one-150-calls-ships-16-companies-come?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3213111/hong-kong-cruises-future-arrival-resorts-world-one-150-calls-ships-16-companies-come?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Mar 2023 09:59:58 +0000 Non-locally trained nurses could be registered in Hong Kong without having to pass the city’s licensing exam under proposed legal changes to address acute manpower shortages in the public health sector. Under the Health Bureau’s proposals, a new pathway for admission of qualified non-locally trained nurses will be set up so those who have worked full-time in “specified institutions” for “a certain duration” will be eligible for registration or enrolment in Hong Kong. They will not “need to take... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3212865/proposed-legal-changes-will-allow-non-locally-trained-nurses-work-hong-kong-without-having-pass-exam?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3212865/proposed-legal-changes-will-allow-non-locally-trained-nurses-work-hong-kong-without-having-pass-exam?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Mar 2023 23:00:16 +0000 Hong Kong’s home-grown digital payment platform Octopus Holdings plans to spend hundreds of millions in the coming years on technology and product development to bolster its competitiveness, the company’s new chairwoman has said. The company intends to double its investments and spend millions on consumption voucher offers, as well as marketing efforts for the government scheme, non-executive chairwoman Jeny Yeung Mei-chun told the Post on Monday, without revealing the amount. Yeung took up the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3212702/hong-kongs-octopus-plans-double-investments-spend-millions-consumption-voucher-offers-new-chairwoman?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3212702/hong-kongs-octopus-plans-double-investments-spend-millions-consumption-voucher-offers-new-chairwoman?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Mar 2023 23:30:11 +0000 Nearly 200 incidents of birds flying into buildings and transparent noise barriers have been recorded in Hong Kong in four months, a study has found, with most of the cases likely due to large glass or mirror facades used on the exterior of the structures and most of the animals dying from the collision. In releasing the results of its findings on Monday, the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society called for rethinking how much of the reflective materials was used for buildings and urged residents to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3212532/glass-and-mirror-facades-hong-kong-buildings-blamed-nearly-200-bird-window-collision-cases-recorded?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3212532/glass-and-mirror-facades-hong-kong-buildings-blamed-nearly-200-bird-window-collision-cases-recorded?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Mar 2023 09:37:08 +0000 The husband of former Hong Kong opposition lawmaker Claudia Mo Man-ching has said he did not endorse an appeal by more than 50 British politicians to the UK government to press authorities in the Asian financial hub for her release so she could visit him in hospital. Philip Bowring, in a note released by the family on Sunday, said he left intensive care three weeks ago and had been discharged from hospital. “I have not in any way been notified, contacted or consulted by UK-based parliamentarians... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3212449/husband-ex-hong-kong-lawmaker-who-admitted-subversion-says-he-did-not-back-bid-uk-politicians-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3212449/husband-ex-hong-kong-lawmaker-who-admitted-subversion-says-he-did-not-back-bid-uk-politicians-win?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Mar 2023 16:33:25 +0000 An 84-year-old taxi driver was arrested on Sunday after three pedestrians were injured, two critically, when his cab ploughed into people at a crossing point and slammed into a traffic light on a busy Hong Kong road. Two of the injured, women aged 48 and 59, were rushed unconscious to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan and were said to be in critical condition on Sunday night. Witnesses said the pair were “sent flying” by the impact. A third pedestrian, a 48-year-old woman,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3212406/3-people-injured-after-hong-kong-taxi-loses-control-hits-pedestrians?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3212406/3-people-injured-after-hong-kong-taxi-loses-control-hits-pedestrians?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Mar 2023 06:10:10 +0000 Tens of thousands of hopefuls were left disappointed after trying to win one of 12,500 free airline tickets to Hong Kong from Singapore when the city’s flagship carrier launched another round of giveaways on Thursday. Some said they found more than 14,000 others were already ahead of them in the queue when they visited Cathay Pacific Airways’ website after registration began at noon. The return ticket bonanza ended within 45 minutes of its launch, with Cathay saying the campaign quota had been... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3212005/singapore-next-line-hong-kongs-airline-ticket-giveaway-first-day-chaos-lengthy-online-waits-put-some?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3212005/singapore-next-line-hong-kongs-airline-ticket-giveaway-first-day-chaos-lengthy-online-waits-put-some?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:00:28 +0000 Pupils across Hong Kong have met their first mask-free at school in almost three years with a mix of joy and nervousness, with some youngsters seeing their classmates’ faces for the first time and others expressing unease at being among the few to go uncovered. Teacher Helen Luk of Creative Kindergarten & Day Nursery in Kowloon Tong on Wednesday said the lifting of the city’s mask rules would help educators with instruction and supervising classes. “It was previously more difficult to see... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3211989/hong-kong-pupils-react-axed-covid-mask-rules-mix-joy-nerves-first-day-school-after-policy-change?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3211989/hong-kong-pupils-react-axed-covid-mask-rules-mix-joy-nerves-first-day-school-after-policy-change?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Mar 2023 12:59:52 +0000 Most Hongkongers chose to continue wearing masks on Wednesday even as the rule requiring their use in public ended, with health experts predicting the trend might help control an expected surge in flu and other upper respiratory tract infections. While many had called for Hong Kong to join the rest of the world in lifting its last major Covid-19 restriction, those uncovering their faces on the streets and public transport on the first official mask-free day were in a minority. Secondary school... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3211978/most-hongkongers-keep-masks-despite-end-mandate-after-nearly-3-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3211978/most-hongkongers-keep-masks-despite-end-mandate-after-nearly-3-years?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:33:29 +0000 A study of the health and inoculation records of millions of Hong Kong residents has found three shots of a Covid-19 vaccine are effective in preventing death and serious complications among the elderly and people with chronic illnesses. But researchers at the faculty of medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) on Tuesday said additional data was needed to assess what effect additional jabs beyond the first three had in affording the groups the same benefits. Analysing the health and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3211855/study-millions-health-records-hong-kong-finds-3-covid-19-shots-cuts-risk-death-severe-illness-80?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3211855/study-millions-health-records-hong-kong-finds-3-covid-19-shots-cuts-risk-death-severe-illness-80?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Feb 2023 11:04:39 +0000