https://www.scmp.com/rss/511492/feed Connor Mycroft joined the city desk as a reporter in July 2023 after completing the Post’s year-long Graduate Trainee Programme. Originally from Canada, he spent three years teaching English in mainland China before relocating to Hong Kong in 2021. He holds a Masters Degree in Journalism from the University of Hong Kong. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft A Canadian goal of clearing a backlog of more than 30,000 applications from Hongkongers awaiting permanent residency is “encouraging” but questions remain about whether it can be achieved by 2027, advocates and immigration experts have said. Experts and Canadian parliamentarians said on Saturday that Ottawa’s new one-off measure to add more quota spaces to clear the Hong Kong immigration pathways backlog would help address the uncertainty facing tens of thousands from the city still waiting for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3373653/canadian-plan-clear-hongkonger-migration-backlog-welcomed-questions-remain https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3373653/canadian-plan-clear-hongkonger-migration-backlog-welcomed-questions-remain Sat, 07 Nov 2026 12:22:10 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft More Irish companies are considering Hong Kong as a base for expansion across Asia, according to the head of the country’s chamber of commerce in the city, who described the two jurisdictions as “natural partners”. Padraig Seif, president of the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said momentum was building ahead of the Asia-Pacific Irish Business Forum as Irish firms increasingly looked to Asia amid Washington’s tariff policy and the lingering effects of Brexit. “What we’ve seen is … Asia... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3373552/hong-kong-draws-growing-interest-irish-firms-seeking-expansion-across-asia https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3373552/hong-kong-draws-growing-interest-irish-firms-seeking-expansion-across-asia Sat, 07 Nov 2026 01:00:08 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Ambrose Li Connor Mycroft,Ambrose Li The mathematics competency of Hong Kong’s Primary Three pupils has fallen to an all-time low in a citywide assessment by authorities, while their English performance reached a record high. The results of this year’s Territory-wide System Assessment (TSA), released on Thursday, showed passing rate for mathematics for Primary Three students fell to 84.7 per cent, down 0.7 percentage points from a year earlier. The latest figure was the lowest since the assessment began in 2004. The mathematics... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3373350/hong-kong-primary-three-pupils-maths-competency-hits-all-time-low https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3373350/hong-kong-primary-three-pupils-maths-competency-hits-all-time-low Thu, 05 Nov 2026 05:52:01 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Jess Ma Connor Mycroft,Jess Ma Revellers packed Lan Kwai Fong dressed as golden Buddhas, Lipton tea drink cartons and bottles of ketchup and mustard, with bars expecting a business bump of more than 50 per cent as Hong Kong’s first “Halloween Month” roared to a close on Saturday. By 7.30pm police were urging revellers to celebrate elsewhere as the area in Central was packed. There was a 45-minute wait for visitors inside the departure hall at Huanggang, according to the Security Bureau. Party-goers travelling from mainland... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372835/bars-expect-50-jump-sales-final-night-hong-kongs-halloween-month https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372835/bars-expect-50-jump-sales-final-night-hong-kongs-halloween-month Sat, 31 Oct 2026 10:30:45 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft A combination of a lit cigarette and an “abundant fuel” of combustible materials caused Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades, according to a long-awaited report which found the blaze would not have killed so many people, or happened at all, without “human fault”. Eleven months after the deadly fire tore through Wang Fuk Court, killing 168 and displacing thousands, an independent committee’s report released on Thursday assigned blame to the main contractor for renovations at the housing estate,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372602/lit-cigarette-combustibles-and-human-fault-led-deadly-hong-kong-fire-report https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372602/lit-cigarette-combustibles-and-human-fault-led-deadly-hong-kong-fire-report Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:11:47 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Halloween has arrived early in Hong Kong, with costumed revellers and families thronging the city’s streets a week early and some establishments seeing business increase by up to 20 per cent. The streets of Central were packed on Saturday as visitors and locals alike joined events held under the Tourism Board’s inaugural “Hong Kong Halloween Month”. The campaign, which started last Saturday, involves street celebrations in Central, including Lan Kwai Fong, Kai Tak, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372028/halloween-comes-early-hong-kong-festivities-draw-crowds-lift-bar-business https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372028/halloween-comes-early-hong-kong-festivities-draw-crowds-lift-bar-business Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:47:39 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong authorities have ordered all lift contractors to review the design and construction of landing doors installed over the past 10 years, after a government investigation found missing fire-safety components in lifts in at least 78 private buildings and two public estates. The director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department issued the order in a letter after inspections into lift contractor Taizoom Elevator revealed “serious deficiencies”. The company is under intense... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371272/hong-kong-orders-lift-contractors-review-doors-installed-over-past-10-years https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371272/hong-kong-orders-lift-contractors-review-doors-installed-over-past-10-years Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:57:09 +0000 Edith Lin,Connor Mycroft Edith Lin,Connor Mycroft Hong Kong authorities have found that lifts in another 39 buildings are lacking proper door-frame components following an investigation into faulty replacement works carried out by a contractor involving missing fire-safety parts. The South China Morning Post also learned on Friday that police had arrested a director and two registered lift engineers from the lift contractor, Taizoom Elevator, on suspicion of deception over work at 48 lifts at two housing estates. The latest incidents come just... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371193/3-arrested-over-missing-fire-safety-parts-48-hong-kong-lifts-source-says https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371193/3-arrested-over-missing-fire-safety-parts-48-hong-kong-lifts-source-says Fri, 16 Oct 2026 11:30:01 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft The alleged murder and dismemberment of Abby Choi Tin-fung in 2023, which prosecutors say was linked to a dispute over a luxury flat, has once again gripped Hong Kong as the trial over the 28-year-old socialite’s death entered its second week. Choi’s ex-husband, Alex Kwong Kong-chi, 31, and his elder brother, Anthony Kwong Kong-kit, 35, have pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful burial of her body. Their father, Kwong Kau, 68, has pleaded not guilty to the same charge. All three men deny... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3370483/abby-choi-hello-kitty-killing-hong-kongs-most-shocking-crimes https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3370483/abby-choi-hello-kitty-killing-hong-kongs-most-shocking-crimes Sun, 11 Oct 2026 09:00:16 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft A non-profit children’s education organisation in Hong Kong has urged the government to expand support services for preschool-aged ethnic minority children with special needs to more districts, after a pilot project found that 95 per cent of participants showed improvement. Heep Hong Society said on Sunday that many ethnic minority families faced multiple barriers when seeking support for children with special educational needs (SEN), including language difficulties, financial constraints and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3370458/more-support-needed-ethnic-minority-children-special-needs-charity-says https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3370458/more-support-needed-ethnic-minority-children-special-needs-charity-says Sun, 11 Oct 2026 02:00:18 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong’s stronger economic performance over the past year was the reason for raising the monthly minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers by 2.35 per cent, the labour minister has said, amid disappointment from both unions and employers’ groups. Defending the government’s decision to raise the monthly minimum wage to HK$5,220 (US$665), Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said the government sought to keep the annual adjustment mechanism “balanced and acceptable”. Speaking... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3369658/balanced-and-acceptable-labour-chief-defends-helper-wage-rise-amid-criticism https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3369658/balanced-and-acceptable-labour-chief-defends-helper-wage-rise-amid-criticism Sat, 03 Oct 2026 09:04:39 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Thousands of Hongkongers, domestic helpers and tourists have taken advantage of the extended lantern show in Victoria Park as the National Day “golden week” holiday began in mainland China. Many people arrived early at sunset on Thursday to avoid the huge crowds that had previously gathered for the International Lantern Spectacular, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which has attracted more than 500,000 visitors since its debut in September. Before many of the lanterns were turned on in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369474/extended-victoria-park-lantern-show-attracts-thousands-national-day https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369474/extended-victoria-park-lantern-show-attracts-thousands-national-day Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:41:16 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Five public universities in Hong Kong have ranked in the top 100 of a renowned British publication’s latest global league table, as part of a trend described as a “historic realignment” of academic prowess from West to East. The University of Hong Kong remained the city’s highest-ranked tertiary institution, holding onto 33rd place from the previous year, in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, released on Wednesday. The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) ranked 42nd,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3369243/5-universities-hong-kong-rank-top-100-historic-shift-west-east https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3369243/5-universities-hong-kong-rank-top-100-historic-shift-west-east Tue, 29 Sep 2026 23:30:05 +0000 Emily Hung,Connor Mycroft Emily Hung,Connor Mycroft Hong Kong’s finance chief has predicted a positive market response to the Xi-Trump summit, saying that mitigating geopolitical uncertainties would bolster investor confidence, while local business representatives expect that greater stability in bilateral ties may reinforce the city’s role as a connector. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po made the prediction on a radio programme on Saturday after Chinese President Xi Jinping ended a three-day visit to Washington for talks with his US... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368886/hong-kongs-paul-chan-predicts-positive-market-response-xi-trump-summit https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368886/hong-kongs-paul-chan-predicts-positive-market-response-xi-trump-summit Sat, 26 Sep 2026 05:18:58 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong animal welfare activists say they will forge ahead with microchipping stray dogs despite the heightened legal risk after authorities charged an advocate who engaged in the practice during an investigation into the death of a cyclist. The advocates argued that charging dog rescuers was counterproductive and renewed their calls to implement a comprehensive “trap, neuter, release” programme, while the government said allegations it engaged in “convenience culling” were untrue. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368836/dog-rescuers-vow-microchip-after-arrest-decry-punishing-those-trying-help https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368836/dog-rescuers-vow-microchip-after-arrest-decry-punishing-those-trying-help Fri, 25 Sep 2026 11:10:48 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong’s existing animal welfare laws are no longer “fit for purpose” to deal with issues around pet abandonment and strays, legal experts have said, urging authorities to expedite long-delayed reforms to the city’s ordinances following a spate of dog attacks. The calls echo comments by Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan, who said on Wednesday that authorities would look at whether existing penalties for pet abandonment should be strengthened and bring suggestions to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3368545/hong-kongs-animal-welfare-laws-fail-meet-modern-demands-experts-say https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3368545/hong-kongs-animal-welfare-laws-fail-meet-modern-demands-experts-say Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:30:07 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Customs has made the largest seizure of drugs shipped by sea in Hong Kong’s history, discovering HK$125 million (US$15.93 million) worth of marijuana in a 40-foot container and arresting three people. The Customs and Excise Department revealed on Saturday that it had selected a seaborne container at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound for inspection earlier in September after conducting a risk assessment and intelligence analysis. The container had been declared as containing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3368115/customs-seizes-record-hk125-million-worth-marijuana-shipped-sea-arresting-3 https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3368115/customs-seizes-record-hk125-million-worth-marijuana-shipped-sea-arresting-3 Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:02:21 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has been ranked the world’s third-best airline for the second consecutive year, while also taking top awards for best cabin crew and first-class lounge in new industry rankings. Singapore Airlines reclaimed the top spot in the British-based Skytrax World Airline Awards, moving up from second place last year and swapping positions with Qatar Airways, which dropped to second. “These recognitions are a testament to the incredible efforts of the entire... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3368112/cathay-pacific-retains-third-best-airline-title-wins-cabin-crew-and-lounge-awards https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3368112/cathay-pacific-retains-third-best-airline-title-wins-cabin-crew-and-lounge-awards Sat, 19 Sep 2026 10:51:53 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has placed deepening integration with mainland China and developing new economic engines centre stage as he unveiled the city’s first-ever five-year plan alongside the last policy address of his term. During his landmark speech on Wednesday, which ran just one minute shy of three hours, Lee laid out how the city’s first five-year plan would align the city more closely with the national development blueprint, while the policy address would serve as the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367706/14-key-takeaways-john-lees-policy-address-hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367706/14-key-takeaways-john-lees-policy-address-hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan Wed, 16 Sep 2026 09:37:58 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft When Hong Kong’s Legislative Council vetoed a government bill that would have granted limited recognition to the city’s same-sex couples, 51-year-old Isaac Yick said he was “disappointed but not surprised”. Yick was born and raised in Hong Kong before moving to Canada, where he eventually met and married his husband. They returned to the city together in 2013. He said there was initially a sense that things were changing for the LGBTQ community in the city, citing victories in court that... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367307/year-after-lawmakers-veto-equality-bill-lgbtq-hongkongers-still-hope-change https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367307/year-after-lawmakers-veto-equality-bill-lgbtq-hongkongers-still-hope-change Sat, 12 Sep 2026 11:00:28 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong’s ethnic minority communities can leverage their multicultural backgrounds and language skills to play an “important role” in the city’s efforts to build ties with belt and road countries, the labour minister has said. Other speakers at the Zubin Foundation’s Ethnically Diverse Youth Leadership Summit on Saturday also highlighted the advantages these historically marginalised communities possessed in helping mainland Chinese companies go global. In his opening remarks, Secretary for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367293/hong-kongs-ethnic-minority-groups-can-play-key-role-belt-and-road-summit-hears https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367293/hong-kongs-ethnic-minority-groups-can-play-key-role-belt-and-road-summit-hears Sat, 12 Sep 2026 08:52:20 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first leader following its return to Chinese sovereignty, has been remembered as a “kind-hearted man” who mentored others and inspired some to take up public office. As tributes poured in for Tung, who died on Tuesday aged 89, people who worked closely with him shared touching anecdotes about the man they said cared deeply about Hong Kong even in the years after he stepped down as chief executive in 2005. Bernard Chan, chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366945/his-heart-was-always-hong-kong-tributes-pour-tung-chee-hwa https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366945/his-heart-was-always-hong-kong-tributes-pour-tung-chee-hwa Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:33:16 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cambodian education authorities to expand a computational training programme to cover early childhood learning in the Southeast Asian nation. The MOU, which builds on an agreement signed last year to roll out the club’s CoolThink@JC programme in the country’s primary schools, was signed at the PBC (Philanthropy for Better Cities) Forum on Tuesday. The programme was launched in 2016 and originally... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3366790/hong-kong-jockey-club-offer-computer-training-more-children-cambodia https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3366790/hong-kong-jockey-club-offer-computer-training-more-children-cambodia Tue, 08 Sep 2026 10:19:15 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong’s labour secretary has called for greater cross-sector efforts to help young people gain job experience amid disruption caused by artificial intelligence (AI), while Singapore’s trade minister has urged embracing a “continuous learning” mindset. Speaking at the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s PBC (Philanthropy for Better Cities) Forum 2026 on Monday, the city’s Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said that higher education alone was no longer enough to ensure career success in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3366664/cross-sector-push-needed-youth-facing-paradox-ai-fluency-minister https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3366664/cross-sector-push-needed-youth-facing-paradox-ai-fluency-minister Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:53:19 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Philanthropic giving in nine Asian jurisdictions is projected to hit US$1.5 trillion over the next decade, while corporate contributions play a larger role in Hong Kong than in many regional peers, according to a new report released at a Jockey Club forum. The Commission on Asian Philanthropy released its interim report on Monday. In a separate report, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust said the club had generated economic value equivalent to about 1.8 per cent of the city’s gross... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366575/philanthropic-giving-asia-forecast-hit-us15-trillion-over-next-decade https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366575/philanthropic-giving-asia-forecast-hit-us15-trillion-over-next-decade Mon, 07 Sep 2026 02:38:24 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft The head of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (EuroCham) aims to “reset” perceptions about the financial hub during the organisation’s first-ever “door-knock” mission to Brussels, emphasising that the city remains “significantly, fundamentally” distinct from its mainland Chinese counterparts. With Hong Kong set to unveil its first five-year plan on September 16 – the same day the mission begins – chairman Johannes Hack told the South China Morning Post that the city lacked a clear... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3366552/european-chamber-chief-hong-kong-heads-brussels-reset-citys-image https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3366552/european-chamber-chief-hong-kong-heads-brussels-reset-citys-image Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:30:11 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong health authorities have detected seven additional suspected food poisoning cases linked to a hotel restaurant in Yau Ma Tei, raising the total number of affected diners to 14. The Centre for Health Protection said on Saturday it had identified three additional food poisoning clusters involving The Astor restaurant at Eaton HK, after initially announcing two clusters on September 3. “The centre’s preliminary investigations revealed that all five clusters are epidemiologically linked,”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3366480/14-fall-ill-after-dining-eaton-hk-hotel-restaurant https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3366480/14-fall-ill-after-dining-eaton-hk-hotel-restaurant Sat, 05 Sep 2026 09:30:35 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Police are investigating the death of a 54-year-old driver of a Tesla whose vehicle collided with two other cars along Hong Kong’s Island Eastern Corridor. The police force said it received a report at 10.37am on Saturday that the man was driving west along the corridor when he was suspected to have lost control of the Tesla and collided with two other vehicles near the North Point Ferry Concourse Promenade. Police added that the Tesla driver sustained “no superficial injury”, but was rushed... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366470/driver-dies-after-tesla-collides-2-cars-hong-kong-expressway https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366470/driver-dies-after-tesla-collides-2-cars-hong-kong-expressway Sat, 05 Sep 2026 08:01:05 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Singaporean businesses are keen to explore the “massive potential” emerging in Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis megaproject after the country’s prime minister visited the site earlier this year, its top envoy to the city has said. In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, Singapore’s consul general to Hong Kong, Eric Teo Boon Hee, said the country’s business chambers were considering fact-finding missions to explore opportunities in the 30,000-hectare development. During a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3365744/singapore-firms-keen-tap-northern-metropolis-massive-potential-envoy-says https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3365744/singapore-firms-keen-tap-northern-metropolis-massive-potential-envoy-says Mon, 31 Aug 2026 02:00:15 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Singapore and Hong Kong do not view each other as enemies, but rather admire one another’s accomplishments, the country’s top envoy to the city has said, calling for greater cooperation between the two jurisdictions often cast as fierce rivals. Eric Teo Boon Hee, Singapore’s consul general in Hong Kong, said Asia was big enough to accommodate two financial centres and that both sides should work together to “expand the pie” as capital rushed into the region. Speaking exclusively to the South... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3365771/hong-kong-singapore-can-work-expand-pie-competition-not-zero-sum-envoy https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3365771/hong-kong-singapore-can-work-expand-pie-competition-not-zero-sum-envoy Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:20 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong’s low fertility rate is an opportunity rather than a challenge and gives the city a chance to become a global leader in building a child-friendly environment, a former UN resident coordinator in China has said. Siddharth Chatterjee, who held the role from 2021 until March this year, said Hong Kong could create a “pioneering blueprint” for others to follow if it could earn the status of a “Child Friendly City” under a UN initiative. While most developing countries and territories are... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365715/former-un-official-says-hong-kongs-low-fertility-offers-opportunity-heres-how https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365715/former-un-official-says-hong-kongs-low-fertility-offers-opportunity-heres-how Sun, 30 Aug 2026 01:00:10 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Cannix Yau Connor Mycroft,Cannix Yau Hong Kong’s Nepalese community and other local organisations have launched fundraising drives to support those affected by deadly flash floods at the Himalayan nation’s border with the Tibet autonomous region, as the city government earmarked HK$50 million (US$6.38 million) to support relief efforts. In a social media post on Saturday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the HK$50 million would come from the Disaster Relief Fund and that its advisory committee would process applications... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365696/hong-kong-sets-aside-hk50-million-relief-fund-nepal-tibet-flood-victims https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365696/hong-kong-sets-aside-hk50-million-relief-fund-nepal-tibet-flood-victims Sat, 29 Aug 2026 07:56:01 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong customs is investigating whether an 88-year-old was pressured into spending HK$100,000 (US$12,750) on beauty products at an outlet linked to a company already accused of aggressive sales tactics. In a social media post on Saturday, a woman surnamed Ng wrote that her mother was targeted during a three-hour ordeal in April at the Avinichi booth in the Wing On department store in Sheung Wan. The allegations are the latest in a string of complaints over Hong Kong’s beauty product sector... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364937/elderly-woman-allegedly-pressured-spending-hk100000-beauty-products https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364937/elderly-woman-allegedly-pressured-spending-hk100000-beauty-products Sat, 22 Aug 2026 14:34:12 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong police have arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs following a three-vehicle crash that left two people injured. Police said they received a report at 1.48pm on Saturday of a traffic accident along Pok Fu Lam Road involving a large truck and two light goods vehicles. The force said the 38-year-old driver of one of the light goods vehicles failed a drug test that was administered at the scene. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3364929/man-38-arrested-driving-under-influence-drugs-after-3-vehicle-crash https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3364929/man-38-arrested-driving-under-influence-drugs-after-3-vehicle-crash Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:59:38 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft A team of researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has conducted the city’s first robot-assisted pelvic fracture surgery in what promises to be a safer, less intrusive alternative to a procedure typically considered among the most challenging. CUHK’s faculty of medicine said on Friday that the novel orthopaedic robotic surgical system could turn a “new page” in trauma care amid a rising number of pelvic fracture cases among the city’s rapidly ageing population. Dr Ronald Wong... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364843/cuhk-researchers-perform-hong-kongs-first-robot-assisted-pelvic-fracture-surgery https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364843/cuhk-researchers-perform-hong-kongs-first-robot-assisted-pelvic-fracture-surgery Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:00:07 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (Haeco) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the country’s largest independent aircraft lessor to set up a maintenance centre in the city, forging what authorities described as a “powerful alliance” between industry giants. The Transport and Logistics Bureau on Thursday revealed that Haeco, a sister company of flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways, had signed the agreement with China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) earlier in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3364706/haeco-china-aircraft-leasing-group-sign-mou-build-maintenance-hub-hong-kong https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3364706/haeco-china-aircraft-leasing-group-sign-mou-build-maintenance-hub-hong-kong Thu, 20 Aug 2026 10:27:55 +0000 Wynna Wong,Connor Mycroft Wynna Wong,Connor Mycroft Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings has launched international arbitration against Panama, seeking more than HK$11.7 billion (US$1.5 billion) in damages over the government’s takeover of two strategic ports at either end of the Panama Canal. Legal experts said investment treaty arbitration was “notoriously lengthy” and that the process was likely to take at least three years. Announcing the move on Thursday, the Li Ka-shing family-backed conglomerate said Panama had breached an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3364622/hong-kongs-ck-hutchison-seeks-hk117b-panama-over-canal-ports-dispute https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3364622/hong-kongs-ck-hutchison-seeks-hk117b-panama-over-canal-ports-dispute Thu, 20 Aug 2026 01:14:55 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Nearly two-thirds of Hong Kong students who requested a reconsideration of their university placement due to reviewed entrance exam results will receive a better outcome than previously allotted. The office for the Joint University Programmes Admissions System (Jupas) said on Thursday that it had received 453 requests for reconsideration following the rechecking and review of Diploma of Secondary Education results. Of those, 287 applicants, or 63.4 per cent, will receive a university admissions... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3364608/over-60-students-get-better-outcomes-after-seeking-university-admission-review https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3364608/over-60-students-get-better-outcomes-after-seeking-university-admission-review Wed, 19 Aug 2026 22:00:10 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft The Hong Kong Observatory has said it will consider issuing the No 1 typhoon signal over the weekend, as it tracks a low-pressure system that could approach the city and bring stormy weather. The forecaster said on Wednesday that the area of low pressure over the northern part of the South China Sea was moving westward and edging closer to the southern section of the mainland Chinese province of Hainan. “There are relatively large uncertainties in the movement of the area of low pressure after... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364584/observatory-keeps-eye-low-pressure-area-consider-issuing-t1-over-weekend https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364584/observatory-keeps-eye-low-pressure-area-consider-issuing-t1-over-weekend Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:29:16 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Wynna Wong Connor Mycroft,Wynna Wong Hong Kong authorities have charged the owner of a large dog that mauled two smaller pets earlier this week with failing to properly control the animal, which is currently under government custody. The Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department (AFCD) said on Wednesday that it had charged the owner, 52, with failure to properly control a large dog under the Dangerous Dogs Regulation, and that it was also following up on laying additional charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364511/hong-kong-considering-euthanising-large-dog-after-fatal-attacks-2-pets https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364511/hong-kong-considering-euthanising-large-dog-after-fatal-attacks-2-pets Wed, 19 Aug 2026 03:42:46 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong recorded fewer than 30,000 births annually for the first time on record – a 15.6 per cent year-on-year decline – even as its population rose by 0.3 per cent to more than 7.5 million by mid-2026, according to the latest official figures. Provisional data from the Census and Statistics Department on Tuesday showed that the city recorded 29,700 births between mid-2025 and mid-2026, down 15.6 per cent from the 35,200 recorded during the same period a year earlier. It was the first time... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364434/hong-kongs-population-edges-03-births-fall-below-30000-first-time https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364434/hong-kongs-population-edges-03-births-fall-below-30000-first-time Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:41:43 +0000 Mario Cameira,Kaliz Lee,Joe Lo,Rocio Marquez,Victor Sanjinez,Connor Mycroft Mario Cameira,Kaliz Lee,Joe Lo,Rocio Marquez,Victor Sanjinez,Connor Mycroft https://www.scmp.com/infographics/article/3363278/exercise-supplements-digital-detoxing-hongkongers-new-lifestyle-obsessions https://www.scmp.com/infographics/article/3363278/exercise-supplements-digital-detoxing-hongkongers-new-lifestyle-obsessions Mon, 17 Aug 2026 04:08:05 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong’s once-iconic neon signs and outdoor hawker stalls were brought back to life as hundreds flocked to Central for a glimpse of British actor Henry Cavill, who was in the city filming a new movie. Cavill, known for his roles as Superman and also Geralt in the television series The Witcher, was filming in the city on Thursday night. It followed an earlier announcement that he would star in the fantasy-action Highlander series, directed by Chad Stahelski of John Wick fame. Peel Street – a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363997/actor-henry-cavill-draws-crowds-neon-lit-set-evokes-memories-old-hong-kong https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3363997/actor-henry-cavill-draws-crowds-neon-lit-set-evokes-memories-old-hong-kong Fri, 14 Aug 2026 04:59:57 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Eric Jiang,Danny Mok Connor Mycroft,Eric Jiang,Danny Mok Police in Paraguay have launched an investigation into the death of a Hong Kong-born cryptocurrency fund executive as speculation swirled over the case. Experts on Wednesday also warned of a global rise in violent extortion attempts targeting digital asset holders, a phenomenon known as “wrench attacks”. Paraguayan police are investigating the death of Harry Yeh Chun-tak, who was found dead outside his residential building in Asuncion after a suspected fall from his 30th-floor flat earlier this... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3363813/paraguay-probe-hong-kong-born-crypto-execs-death-triggers-wrench-attack-warning https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3363813/paraguay-probe-hong-kong-born-crypto-execs-death-triggers-wrench-attack-warning Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:28:10 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Connor Mycroft Matthew Cheng,Connor Mycroft Hong Kong’s first five-year plan will create more quality jobs and support young people seeking to start businesses, while the Northern Metropolis megaproject will help them move up the housing ladder, the city’s leader has said. At the second town hall meeting to gather public views on the five-year plan set to be unveiled next month and his annual policy address, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Sunday that the government would consider establishing an independent agency to handle... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3363422/northern-metropolis-can-diversify-housing-young-hongkongers-john-lee https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3363422/northern-metropolis-can-diversify-housing-young-hongkongers-john-lee Sun, 09 Aug 2026 03:01:24 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Two hikers, including a seven-year-old girl, were airlifted to hospital after falling ill on Saturday as Hong Kong experienced its hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit). At about 2.30pm, police received a report that a 28-year-old man surnamed Wen had begun feeling unwell while hiking near Po Pin Chau in Sai Kung. He was airlifted by helicopter to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai. About an hour later, police received another report that a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363384/hong-kong-temperatures-exceed-38-degrees-severe-typhoon-dolphin-brings-extreme-heat https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363384/hong-kong-temperatures-exceed-38-degrees-severe-typhoon-dolphin-brings-extreme-heat Sat, 08 Aug 2026 07:08:36 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Nominations for Hong Kong’s powerful Election Committee will take place in October, with the vote for 982 seats of the 1,500-member body – which picks the city’s leader and some of the legislative candidates – taking place a month later. A government spokesman said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu had specified November 22 as the polling date for the committee’s subsector ordinary elections and that the relevant notice had been gazetted on Friday. The spokesman added that the nomination period... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3363291/nominations-hong-kongs-election-committee-run-october-7-20 https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3363291/nominations-hong-kongs-election-committee-run-october-7-20 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:35:11 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft The student union of Hong Kong’s Lingnan University has announced it will dissolve after nearly six decades in operation due to “changes in the situation both on and off campus”, marking the latest in a spate of closures among such organisations in recent years. In a social media post on Thursday, the student union said it had passed a resolution to dissolve after holding a recent joint meeting. Its decision means that only two of Hong Kong’s public universities still have active student unions,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3363258/hong-kongs-lingnan-university-student-union-ceases-operations-after-6-decades https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3363258/hong-kongs-lingnan-university-student-union-ceases-operations-after-6-decades Fri, 07 Aug 2026 05:03:42 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft A Hong Kong shipping industry body has estimated that as many as 80 of its members’ ships and 1,600 seafarers are stuck in or near the Strait of Hormuz, with the sector forced to contend with more than five months of on-and-off conflict in the Middle East. Richard Hext, chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, shared the figures on Tuesday as the industry group revealed its recommendations for the city’s first five-year plan and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s coming policy... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3362938/80-hong-kong-linked-ships-stuck-around-strait-hormuz-trade-group-says https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3362938/80-hong-kong-linked-ships-stuck-around-strait-hormuz-trade-group-says Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:50:12 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft The Li Ka Shing Foundation has partnered with The Walt Disney Company to offer 24,000 foreign domestic helpers free tickets to watch the latest Toy Story movie in the newest collaboration between the organisations to support Hong Kong’s migrant workers. The charitable foundation, established by tycoon Li Ka-shing, said on Tuesday that screenings for Toy Story 5 would be arranged across six local cinemas over four consecutive Sundays in August. Film-goers will receive free popcorn and drinks, as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3362892/li-ka-shing-foundation-disney-offer-24000-helpers-free-tickets-toy-story-5 https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3362892/li-ka-shing-foundation-disney-offer-24000-helpers-free-tickets-toy-story-5 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:27:36 +0000