https://www.scmp.com/rss/512110/feed Ezra Cheung is a reporter with an interest in environmental issues. His work has been seen in NBC News, Nikkei Asia, The New York Times and CNN, among others. He graduated from Hong Kong Baptist University. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Hong Kong’s endangered river otters are inhabiting broader tracts of the city than previously thought, scientists have said after discovering signs the mammals have ventured into local streams previously considered to be too polluted for them. Researchers from Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden found fresh secretions from an Eurasian otter while conducting a study of the Ng Tung River near the urban centre of Sheung Shui in February, the first indicator the mammals might also inhabit water... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3275769/rare-discovery-hong-kong-river-overturns-past-beliefs-about-citys-endangered-otters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3275769/rare-discovery-hong-kong-river-overturns-past-beliefs-about-citys-endangered-otters?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Aug 2024 10:27:02 +0000 Hongkongers aged 60 or above must use personalised JoyYou Cards to enjoy a subsidised HK$2 (26 US cents) fare starting on Sunday under a public transport concession scheme, authorities have said. The MTR Corporation said on Tuesday it would gradually deploy additional staff at some stations, especially those frequently used by elderly residents, to promote the new arrangement and hand out application forms for the cards “Since it takes about four weeks to apply for the JoyYou Card, eligible... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3275143/hongkongers-aged-60-or-above-will-need-personalised-joyyou-cards-hk2-fare-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3275143/hongkongers-aged-60-or-above-will-need-personalised-joyyou-cards-hk2-fare-sunday?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Aug 2024 05:11:04 +0000 Hong Kong’s Olympic delegation is expected to meet thousands of fans in a 90-minute bus parade and inspire young people with speeches and selfies as part of the city’s celebration to hail their sporting stars’ achievements at the Paris Games. The parade, featuring athletes, coaches, and staff, will set off from the Hong Kong Sports Institute in Sha Tin on Wednesday at 10.15am in two open-top buses. The buses will pass by Tai Wai station around 10.30am and the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower at about... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3275003/hong-kongs-olympians-bask-glory-thousands-wednesday-street-parade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3275003/hong-kongs-olympians-bask-glory-thousands-wednesday-street-parade?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Aug 2024 06:20:09 +0000 Ezra Cheung Ezra Cheung Hong Kong police are searching for a 17-year-old girl who has been missing for two days and have appealed to the public for any information on her whereabouts. A spokesman for the force said on Sunday there had been no updates about Tam Lok-yiu. Her family reported her missing after she left her home on Holy Cross Path in Shau Kei Wan on Friday. Tam is about 1.75 metres (5 feet, 9 inches) tall, weighs 60kg (132lbs) and is of medium build, and has long black hair. She was last seen wearing a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3274926/appeal-information-over-hong-kong-girl-17-missing-2-days?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3274926/appeal-information-over-hong-kong-girl-17-missing-2-days?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Aug 2024 08:00:47 +0000 Hong Kong’s leader has pledged to boost support for struggling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amid a challenging environment and looming external uncertainties, while expressing optimism the city’s economy will improve next year. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also warned that people betting against Hong Kong would lose as he held his first town hall meeting on Sunday to gauge the public’s views ahead of his policy address in October. The two-hour televised event was attended by 120... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3274911/hong-kongs-john-lee-vows-boost-support-financially-struggling-residents?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3274911/hong-kongs-john-lee-vows-boost-support-financially-struggling-residents?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Aug 2024 04:12:10 +0000 Ezra Cheung Ezra Cheung Newly elected Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former leader Thaksin, left notable footprints in Hong Kong, including hosting her high-profile wedding at one of the city’s upscale hotels five years ago. The 37-year-old leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, a former executive in a hotel business run by her family, was elected on Friday as Asia’s youngest leader and only the second woman Thai prime minister after her aunt Yingluck. Paetongtarn’s victory marked the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3274833/hong-kong-connection-thailands-new-leader-paetongtarn-shinawatra?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3274833/hong-kong-connection-thailands-new-leader-paetongtarn-shinawatra?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Aug 2024 13:17:09 +0000 Two Hong Kong hotels have partnered with a local manufacturer to create cement that uses limestone derived from oysters instead of extracting it from the ground in what is being called a pioneering effort to introduce renewable resources into one of the most carbon-intensive industries. Eaton and Langham hotels joined forces with Hong Kong’s sole major cement producer, Green Island Cement, to collect eight tonnes of oyster shells and turn them into building material, according to Amie Lai Gor,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3274797/oysters-destined-hong-kongs-landfills-find-new-use-building-material?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3274797/oysters-destined-hong-kongs-landfills-find-new-use-building-material?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Aug 2024 10:00:12 +0000 A graduate talent recruitment scheme in Hong Kong is to be widened to include more universities in a bid to bolster the workforce as the city’s population ages, a top government official has said. Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki on Monday explained the government wanted to revise the Top Talent Pass Scheme, launched in December 2022, to include graduates of institutions outside the present top 100 universities list. People are eligible for the scheme when they have an annual income of at least... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3274227/hong-kong-top-talent-graduate-scheme-net-be-widened-take-more-universities?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3274227/hong-kong-top-talent-graduate-scheme-net-be-widened-take-more-universities?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:50:01 +0000 A meteor shower will light up the Hong Kong sky on Monday night into Tuesday morning and watchers in prime spots will be able to see up to 2o strikes an hour, the Hong Kong Space Museum has said. The museum added it expected the annual Perseid meteor event to be at its best between 11.30pm on Monday and 5am the next day. “In Hong Kong, the radiant will rise in the northeast at about 10pm,” assistant curator Kenneth Chiu Kam-hung explained. “There is a chance to see 15 to 20 meteors [each hour]... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3274189/spectacular-meteor-shower-expected-light-hong-kong-sky-monday-night?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3274189/spectacular-meteor-shower-expected-light-hong-kong-sky-monday-night?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 09:06:37 +0000 Hong Kong must push for stronger business ties with Southeast Asian economies to prevent the city from “withering on the vine” amid growing geopolitical tensions, an adviser to the chief executive has said. Frederick Ma Si-hang, a member of the Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers, said on Sunday that city leader John Lee Ka-chiu’s recent visit to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam had helped with lobbying efforts to allow Hong Kong to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3274061/hong-kong-must-push-firmer-business-ties-asean-or-wither-vine-ex-official?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3274061/hong-kong-must-push-firmer-business-ties-asean-or-wither-vine-ex-official?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Aug 2024 07:01:00 +0000 Hong Kong scientists have warned local coral reefs will face more severe and frequent bleaching, with sea temperatures recently rising to as high as 30.7 degrees Celsius (87.3 Fahrenheit) and resulting in the situation becoming widespread across key marine reserves. The city is known to be close to the northern limit of where corals can survive, as anywhere in a latitude higher than Hong Kong is generally considered inhospitable for the animals. Frequent coral bleaching can threaten their... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3273091/hong-kong-marine-life-under-threat-scientists-warn-more-frequent-coral-bleaching?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3273091/hong-kong-marine-life-under-threat-scientists-warn-more-frequent-coral-bleaching?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Aug 2024 11:00:14 +0000 Hong Kong recorded a notable decline in the number of pigeons gathered in hotspots amid a citywide ban on feeding wild animals that took effect on Thursday. Four sites where pigeons frequently gathered showed only a scattered presence of them, with few to no droppings and traces of bird feed, such as rice and breadcrumbs, according to a morning check by the Post. The areas surveyed were Lai Kok Estate in Sham Shui Po, Wah Fu and Wah Kwai estates in Pok Fu Lam, and South Horizons in Ap Lei... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3272839/hong-kongs-pigeon-population-drops-hotspots-across-city-amid-wildlife-feeding-ban?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3272839/hong-kongs-pigeon-population-drops-hotspots-across-city-amid-wildlife-feeding-ban?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Aug 2024 12:23:45 +0000 Beijing and Hong Kong have hit out at the United States’ top envoy in the city after he told foreign media that the “one country, two systems” governing principle existed only in the “economic realm”. The Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday US Consul General for Hong Kong and Macau Gregory May should abide by the “basic professional ethics and codes of conduct of consular officials”. “We advise Consul General May to abide by his duty, change his ways, give up his... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3272687/beijing-and-hong-kong-hit-out-us-envoy-over-one-country-two-systems-comments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3272687/beijing-and-hong-kong-hit-out-us-envoy-over-one-country-two-systems-comments?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:14:43 +0000 The mental toughness that Hong Kong’s winning athletes have displayed at the Paris Olympics has stunned spectators at home, with experts pointing to decisive psychological moves made during the heat of competition and the benefit of adopting a spirit of “swimming upstream”. They analysed the winning tactics after fencers Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong Man-wai recovered from early setbacks to win gold, while Siobhan Haughey came away with bronze. Patrick Lau Wing-chung, a professor of physical... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3272500/mental-toughness-behind-hong-kong-athletes-success-paris-olympics-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3272500/mental-toughness-behind-hong-kong-athletes-success-paris-olympics-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:15:43 +0000 Hong Kong customs will establish a new artificial intelligence (AI) system that can process up to an hour of surveillance camera footage or about 6,000 images within seconds to crack down on crimes involving digital evidence. The Customs and Excise Department on Monday said initial research on its AI search engine showed it had 80 per cent accuracy, saving officers time for following up on investigations. “When we adopt the AI system, we can process a case in a matter of seconds after entering... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3272328/hong-kong-customs-use-ai-analysis-6000-digital-images-seconds-crime-fighting-boost?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3272328/hong-kong-customs-use-ai-analysis-6000-digital-images-seconds-crime-fighting-boost?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jul 2024 09:17:39 +0000 Hong Kong is set to record further growth in the second quarter following a double-digit increase in the export of goods, the finance chief has said, stressing the city will cultivate new productive forces as it continues to tap into the national momentum. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also said on Sunday an expected cut in interest rates in the second half of the year would encourage investment and boost the performance of asset markets. The minister revealed the value of merchandise... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3272184/hong-kong-economy-pressed-growth-second-quarter-finance-chief-paul-chan-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3272184/hong-kong-economy-pressed-growth-second-quarter-finance-chief-paul-chan-says?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jul 2024 05:40:38 +0000 Rail giant MTR Corporation announced that it would give Vivian Kong a lifetime ticket as “a token of appreciation” after she won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, while Deliveroo has offered discount at all restaurants. Travel company MTR said on Sunday all Hong Kong athletes who won a medal in this year’s Olympic Games and the subsequent Paralympic Games would also receive free lifetime tickets. Kong secured a stunning victory as she overturned a six-point deficit to defeat France’s Auriane... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272178/paris-olympic-gold-medallist-vivian-kong-receives-free-mtr-travel-deliveroo-discount?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3272178/paris-olympic-gold-medallist-vivian-kong-receives-free-mtr-travel-deliveroo-discount?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Jul 2024 03:47:53 +0000 Consumers in Hong Kong and across the border can look forward to bargains in August, with two shopping festivals lined up by the city’s leading trade organisations. The Trade Development Council’s Hong Kong Shopping Festival is the first attempt by city authorities to promote local consumer products and brands on mainland Chinese e-commerce and social media platforms. The other, the Hong Kong Brands and Products Shopping Festival by the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association, will be held at the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3271906/bargain-hunting-hong-kong-whats-offer-during-citys-summer-shopping-festivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3271906/bargain-hunting-hong-kong-whats-offer-during-citys-summer-shopping-festivals?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Jul 2024 12:27:44 +0000 Hong Kong’s leading trade organisations are holding two shopping festivals highlighting local brands in the hopes of sparking a spending spree by taking advantage of Beijing’s new measures to support local tourism. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association unveiled their retail fiestas on several mainland Chinese e-commerce and social media platforms, including Xiaohongshu, Douyin, Taobao and JD.com, as well as at the AsiaWorld-Expo near the airport, on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3271739/hong-kong-tap-mainland-chinas-spending-power-shopping-festivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3271739/hong-kong-tap-mainland-chinas-spending-power-shopping-festivals?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:14:04 +0000 Hong Kong primary school pupils may have their sports performance evaluated alongside their academic scores under a revised grading rubric for allocation to secondary school, the Post has learned. The Education Bureau submitted its proposal after authorities earlier revamped the curriculum to split the current general studies subject into science and humanities, and placing a significant emphasis on patriotic education. Under the current practice, schools internally evaluate their pupils for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3271522/hong-kong-place-more-emphasis-sports-when-assessing-pupils-secondary-school?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3271522/hong-kong-place-more-emphasis-sports-when-assessing-pupils-secondary-school?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jul 2024 06:21:59 +0000 Two hundred round-trip air tickets offered by Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Airlines for just HK$20 (US$2.56) sold out in a little more than two hours on Tuesday, as the company celebrates its second anniversary with cut-rate fares for select destinations. The company is offering 200 tickets for the special price on certain days for a limited time as a way to say thank you to customers for their support. Travellers are only allowed to purchase one ticket each. “Greater Bay Airlines just launched the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3271490/hong-kongs-greater-bay-airlines-celebrates-2nd-anniversary-mega-ticket-deals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3271490/hong-kongs-greater-bay-airlines-celebrates-2nd-anniversary-mega-ticket-deals?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jul 2024 02:38:26 +0000 The driver of a songthaew open-air truck has been charged with causing death by reckless driving in a Thai resort town after a Hong Kong police sergeant fell off the vehicle and died. According to surveillance footage obtained by local media, the Hongkonger was seen tumbling from the back of the taxi van onto the road in South Pattaya district at 8.36am on Monday. Tourist police in Pattaya later in the day said the driver had surrendered, but added he claimed he was unaware the sergeant had... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3271471/hong-kong-police-sergeant-dies-after-falling-open-air-truck-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3271471/hong-kong-police-sergeant-dies-after-falling-open-air-truck-thailand?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:38:45 +0000 A worker fell to his death from an industrial building in Hong Kong on Saturday morning. An industrial rights organisation said the 57-year-old worker had fallen at least 10 floors from the Wah Chun Industrial Centre in Tsuen Wan when installing an air conditioner. “Scaffolding was not ready at the time,” said Fay Siu Sin-man, chief executive of the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims. A source familiar with the case said a preliminary investigation showed the fall was an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3271241/worker-falls-his-death-construction-site-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3271241/worker-falls-his-death-construction-site-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Jul 2024 08:06:48 +0000 The Hong Kong Observatory has said a No 1 typhoon warning will remain in force until at least 6am on Sunday, as a tropical cyclone is expected to intensify and bring occasional squally showers in the coming days. The weather forecaster issued the signal at 10.40pm on Saturday. The tropical depression was located about 690km (429 miles) south-southwest of the city as of 11pm. “Winds offshore and on high ground in the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary will pick up gradually later [on Sunday],”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3271231/hong-kong-may-issue-no-1-typhoon-signal-saturday-evening-it-tracks-tropical-depression?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3271231/hong-kong-may-issue-no-1-typhoon-signal-saturday-evening-it-tracks-tropical-depression?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Jul 2024 04:21:40 +0000 Hong Kong’s development minister has floated the idea of speeding up work on the border Northern Metropolis project by concurrently selling plots while carrying out land formation. Bernadette Linn Hon-ho suggested the move on Saturday, a day after the Town Planning Board gave the go-ahead of the zoning for the controversial 600-hectare (1,483 acres) San Tin Technopole infrastructure project, a key component of the Northern Metropolis plan, despite strong opposition from green groups. “By selling... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3271211/hong-kongs-town-planning-board-approves-zoning-600-hectare-san-tin-technopole?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3271211/hong-kongs-town-planning-board-approves-zoning-600-hectare-san-tin-technopole?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jul 2024 23:30:12 +0000 Hong Kong authorities said they were “highly concerned” over an IT outage that disrupted businesses around the world on Friday and threw the city’s air services into disarray, creating long lines at the airport and delaying more than a dozen flights. Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing was tasked with monitoring developments after disruptions to Microsoft services and applications, as well as problems experienced by Windows devices following a software update from a third-party... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3271204/hong-kong-authorities-highly-concerned-over-it-outage-causes-airport-chaos?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3271204/hong-kong-authorities-highly-concerned-over-it-outage-causes-airport-chaos?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jul 2024 15:01:22 +0000 The Wall Street Journal’s US-based union has urged the newspaper to restore reporter Selina Cheng to her role a day after she said she was sacked for taking up the leadership of the Hong Kong Journalists Association earlier this month. The Independent Association of Publishers’ Employees, which represents employees of The Wall Street Journal and its parent company, Dow Jones, said on Thursday that it was “very sorry” to hear of Cheng’s dismissal. “The union is always concerned when Dow Jones... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3270967/hong-kongs-foreign-correspondents-club-deeply-concerned-over-sacking-selina-cheng?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3270967/hong-kongs-foreign-correspondents-club-deeply-concerned-over-sacking-selina-cheng?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:14:27 +0000 Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has apologised for listing a mainland Chinese bottled water brand in an incorrect category and has re-evaluated it as a five-star product. In a rare move, the Consumer Council released a statement on Thursday clarifying its test results for Nongfu Spring’s bottled water, two days after the brand slammed the watchdog’s findings as “extremely unscientific and irresponsible” and demanded an apology. The council report on Monday claimed the bottled water contained... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3270883/hong-kong-consumer-council-says-sorry-mainland-bottled-water-giant-over-inaccurate-report?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3270883/hong-kong-consumer-council-says-sorry-mainland-bottled-water-giant-over-inaccurate-report?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jul 2024 03:22:17 +0000 Newly elected Hong Kong Journalists Association chairwoman Selina Cheng has accused her former employer The Wall Street Journal of pressuring her to pull out of the union’s leadership race last month. In a press conference on Wednesday, Cheng said she had been fired with immediate effect from the newspaper because of her participation in the union. The American news outlet told the Post it would not comment on specific employees and maintained it was “a fierce and vocal advocate for press... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3270845/hong-kong-reporter-says-wall-street-journal-fired-her-over-union-role?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3270845/hong-kong-reporter-says-wall-street-journal-fired-her-over-union-role?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:39:07 +0000 Ten students have achieved perfect scores in Hong Kong’s university entrance exams, up from last year’s record low of four, with roughly 94 per cent of all candidates passing a core subject introduced to emphasise patriotism after the 2019 social unrest. Examination authorities said on Tuesday they believed the nearly complete pass rate for the new citizenship and social development subject reflected the test was “easy”, which might have also allowed students to spend more time preparing for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3270638/10-students-attain-perfect-scores-hong-kong-university-entrance-exams-4-last-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3270638/10-students-attain-perfect-scores-hong-kong-university-entrance-exams-4-last-year?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Jul 2024 08:13:44 +0000 Twenty-one million visitors came to Hong Kong in the first half of 2024, a 64 per cent increase year on year, but spent fewer nights in the city than in 2023, the latest figures have shown. The Tourism Board said on Tuesday the number of nights that visitors spent per trip in Hong Kong dropped to 3.2 on average between January and June this year, down from 4.9 in the first quarter of 2023. The board earlier said it expected that the number of tourists visiting Hong Kong this year would reach 46... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3270609/hong-kong-welcomed-21-million-tourists-first-half-2024-64-jump-last-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3270609/hong-kong-welcomed-21-million-tourists-first-half-2024-64-jump-last-year?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Jul 2024 05:43:36 +0000 Russian airspace restrictions have “continued to be a big issue” preventing Hong Kong airport from returning to pre-Covid capacity, the authority overseeing the facility has said, amid preparations to launch a three-runway system as early as November. Vivian Cheung Kar-fay, the Airport Authority’s acting CEO and chief operating officer, said on Monday the city’s new long-haul routes could not fly over Russian airspace, following Moscow’s decision to close off its skies to various Western nations... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3270484/russian-airspace-restrictions-blocking-hong-kong-airports-return-pre-covid-capacity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3270484/russian-airspace-restrictions-blocking-hong-kong-airports-return-pre-covid-capacity?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Jul 2024 07:47:08 +0000 Ezra Cheung Ezra Cheung Mainland Chinese customs officers have seized more than 100 live snakes concealed in a man’s trousers as he tried to cross the border from Hong Kong into Shenzhen. The unidentified man was intercepted at the Futian port in Shenzhen on Tuesday while attempting to enter the mainland through the green “Nothing to Declare Channel”. “Upon inspection, customs officers found that the pockets of his trousers ... contained six canvas drawstring bags that were sealed with tape,” the General Administration... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3270099/mainland-china-customs-seize-more-100-snakes-man-hong-kong-shenzhen-border?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3270099/mainland-china-customs-seize-more-100-snakes-man-hong-kong-shenzhen-border?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Jul 2024 10:04:54 +0000 A Hong Kong kindergarten located near the border with mainland China has urged parents to keep a close eye on their children after a woman allegedly stalked one of its pupils in a nearby park. ELCHK Cheung Wah Kindergarten in Fanling said on Thursday it had issued a notice warning all parents about a woman suspected of following a Kindergarten One pupil. Some parents reported the woman “kept staring at and following one of the K1 children” while the pupil was playing in the park opposite Fanling... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3270022/hong-kong-parents-warned-after-child-stalked-woman-park-after-school?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3270022/hong-kong-parents-warned-after-child-stalked-woman-park-after-school?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:48:27 +0000 Hong Kong business executives are anticipating making easier family trips to mainland China thanks to a new multi-entry travel permit, while the city’s immigration authorities have revealed they have received about 10,000 applications for a special certificate needed for the application. Anish Lalvani, chairman of wholesaler Euro Suisse International, told the Post he would be applying for the new permit along with his wife and 18-year-old son. He said the new permit would speed up border... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3270005/hong-kong-receives-10000-requests-document-needed-obtain-new-mainland-travel-permit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3270005/hong-kong-receives-10000-requests-document-needed-obtain-new-mainland-travel-permit?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Jul 2024 03:09:37 +0000 A Hong Kong hiker lost consciousness while climbing Mount Fuji in Japan on Tuesday and was pronounced dead a day later – the fifth fatality on the mountain in less than two weeks. The civil servant, 58, and his wife started their ascent on the Yoshida Trail at about 1.30pm, but he became unwell and fainted at about 8.30pm. Japanese media said the man was well-equipped with mountaineering gear for the hike. For those interested in overseas hiking, the Post answers a few key questions. 1. How... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3269977/what-you-should-know-about-overseas-hikes-after-hongkonger-dies-japans-mount-fuji?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3269977/what-you-should-know-about-overseas-hikes-after-hongkonger-dies-japans-mount-fuji?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jul 2024 13:51:22 +0000 Hong Kong’s High Court is expected to rule on a judicial review case in September involving a government development proposal to build 12,000 public flats on part of the city’s oldest golf course. The Hong Kong Golf Club filed a legal challenge in July last year in an attempt to overturn an environmental impact assessment report that would have paved the way for a public housing project on 9.5 hectares (23.5 acres) of the 172-hectare course in Fanling. The court earlier ordered a temporary halt... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3269817/hong-kong-judicial-review-over-golf-course-development-be-decided-september?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3269817/hong-kong-judicial-review-over-golf-course-development-be-decided-september?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:55:53 +0000 The team behind a Hong Kong art installation mocked by some online users has said it will press ahead with the exhibition despite the artist who inspired the inflatable works saying she wanted the “very ugly” pieces to be removed. Armenian artist Joann, who uses the handle @joooo.an on social media, on Saturday said the “Inflatable Wonders” exhibition was “very ugly”, “not well proportionated” and looked “like an inflatable graveyard”. “They also did not send me anything for approval, before the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3269465/hong-kong-art-installation-organiser-and-creator-clash-over-very-ugly-pieces?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3269465/hong-kong-art-installation-organiser-and-creator-clash-over-very-ugly-pieces?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Jul 2024 15:38:44 +0000 Hong Kong police have launched an investigation over a widely circulated video clip showing a taxi driver allegedly urinating on the road before a traffic light. The force said on Saturday that it had not received reports about the driver and that officers from the Traffic Kowloon East Region would investigate the incident. “Police are aware of the video circulating online,” a spokesman said. The social media post, published on Friday night, showed a cabby allegedly urinating after the taxi... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3269449/hong-kong-police-investigate-taxi-drivers-alleged-public-urination-viral-video?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3269449/hong-kong-police-investigate-taxi-drivers-alleged-public-urination-viral-video?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Jul 2024 12:02:01 +0000 Hong Kong immigration authorities have granted visas to three people who each invested HK$30 million (US$3.8 million) in the city, just over four months after the launch of a new cash-for-residency scheme. The government said on Wednesday that provisional 180-day visitor visas were also approved for 88 investors under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES). They would be eligible to obtain the same two-year permits secured by the trio after investing the required amount. As of June... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3269014/hong-kong-grants-visas-trio-after-hk30-million-investments-under-new-residency-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3269014/hong-kong-grants-visas-trio-after-hk30-million-investments-under-new-residency-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 03 Jul 2024 08:47:30 +0000 Beijing plans to give Hong Kong another pair of giant pandas to mark the 27th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty, with the move also expected to contribute to the local tourism trade. At a handover anniversary event on Monday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed his “deepest gratitude” for the gift from the central government, saying the move “fully demonstrates its care and support” for Hong Kong. Tourism minister Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said intensive preparations were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3268758/beijing-sending-2-more-giant-pandas-hong-kong-heres-what-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3268758/beijing-sending-2-more-giant-pandas-hong-kong-heres-what-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:08:37 +0000 Ezra Cheung,Ng Kang-chung Ezra Cheung,Ng Kang-chung The government-owned Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) will unveil two new innovation projects related to medical technology and green development in the next two months, the finance minister has disclosed. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po mentioned the projects on Sunday, after the government’s investment vehicle, which manages HK$62 billion (US$8 billion) of funds, struck recent deals with home-grown unicorn tech company SmartMore and artificial intelligence firm BioMap. “There will... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3268623/hong-kong-investment-arm-unveil-2-new-innovation-projects-next-2-months-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3268623/hong-kong-investment-arm-unveil-2-new-innovation-projects-next-2-months-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Jun 2024 08:53:48 +0000 Ezra Cheung Ezra Cheung Hong Kong police are on the hunt for two suspects in connection with a knife attack on a 52-year-old man in Kowloon during the early hours of Sunday morning. The force said the victim, a man surnamed Siu, sustained injuries to his nose and hands after he was attacked near Pau Chung Street in To Kwa Wan. A friend of Siu contacted police at around 1.30am, but the two assailants had fled the scene by the time officers arrived. The motive for the attack was not immediately clear. Investigators have... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3268606/hong-kong-police-hunting-2-men-over-early-morning-knife-attack-kowloon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3268606/hong-kong-police-hunting-2-men-over-early-morning-knife-attack-kowloon?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Jun 2024 04:41:53 +0000 Ezra Cheung Ezra Cheung Hong Kong rescuers escorted 17 people ashore after one of the group’s canoes took on water off the coast of Lamma Island on Sunday morning. Ambulance officers and firefighters rushed to waters off Wong Chuk Kok on the island after receiving a report at 8.14am that a canoe carrying six people had suffered a “water ingress”. The six were among a group of 17 on three boats. The canoe stayed afloat during the incident, and no injuries were reported. The force said the group was escorted to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3268600/hong-kong-rescuers-escort-17-people-ashore-after-canoe-nearly-capsizes-lamma-island?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3268600/hong-kong-rescuers-escort-17-people-ashore-after-canoe-nearly-capsizes-lamma-island?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 30 Jun 2024 03:17:50 +0000 Hong Kong environmentalists want authorities to do more to encourage organisers of large events to clean up after themselves and recycle waste. Major sports competitions, music galas and international summits are all part of the government’s plan to boost the economy with mega events, but they produce tonnes of plastic, glass and other trash. Currently, event organisers applying for government support do not have to promise to reduce waste or recover recyclable products, and environment... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3268554/mega-rubbish-mega-events-hong-kong-should-make-organisers-cut-waste-recycle-ngos?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3268554/mega-rubbish-mega-events-hong-kong-should-make-organisers-cut-waste-recycle-ngos?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Jun 2024 04:00:30 +0000 Veteran Hong Kong weatherman Lam Chiu-ying has long been a familiar face raising awareness in the city about climate change and telling people to stop using air conditioners. Now, at 74, he has gained new attention as a rapper, using Cantonese hip-hop music to press home a message on environmental protection and overconsumption. The former director of the Observatory teamed up with singer-songwriter Luna Lee Chui-ting, 29, known to fans as “Luna Is A Bep”, to create a snappy number titled “Buy... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3268538/hong-kong-weatherman-turned-rap-star-74-brings-heat-track-targeting-fast-fashion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3268538/hong-kong-weatherman-turned-rap-star-74-brings-heat-track-targeting-fast-fashion?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:26 +0000 Hong Kong authorities have accused Alman Chan Siu-cheuk, the wanted principal of drug rehabilitation centre Christian Zheng Sheng College, of trying to use public relations tactics to shirk responsibility after he denied embezzlement allegations. In response to his comments, a government spokesman said on Friday night that if Chan believed he was innocent “he should return to Hong Kong to accept the police’s investigation instead of sending electronic messages to his supporters to confuse the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3268529/head-scandal-plagued-christian-zheng-sheng-college-denies-embezzlement-allegations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3268529/head-scandal-plagued-christian-zheng-sheng-college-denies-embezzlement-allegations?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:11:48 +0000 Hong Kong has received its first hydrogen-powered light rail train, with a trial run scheduled as part of the city’s plan to develop the use of the energy source to reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The MTR Corporation, the city’s rail operator, said on Friday the train had arrived the day before and was undergoing tests. The train, which will not carry passengers during its trial run in Tuen Mun later this year, is one of 14 hydrogen projects environmental authorities have... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3268414/hong-kong-receives-first-hydrogen-powered-light-rail-train-green-energy-push?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3268414/hong-kong-receives-first-hydrogen-powered-light-rail-train-green-energy-push?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Jun 2024 05:39:10 +0000 Hong Kong wildlife authorities are looking for the owner of an endangered sea turtle that was abandoned outside a marine education centre. Staff at Aquameridian Conservation and Education on Monday night found the green sea turtle in a plastic container with an anonymous letter and some supplies outside the centre in Quarry Bay. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department on Wednesday said its officers collected the turtle and took it to Ocean Park “for further observation and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3268170/mystery-turtle-hong-kong-authorities-search-owner-abandoned-reptile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3268170/mystery-turtle-hong-kong-authorities-search-owner-abandoned-reptile?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jun 2024 14:51:18 +0000 Ezra Cheung Ezra Cheung Hong Kong’s infrastructure appears to be under strain from inclement weather after electricity supplier CLP attributed the recent power disruptions to “more frequent and intense extreme weather events”. The government promptly asked the power firm to submit plans to mitigate risks arising from the high frequency of thunderstorm warnings. Public utilities Towngas, the Airport Authority and MTR recently also released updates on their weather resilience measures. Hong Kong is anticipating a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3268014/thunderstorms-heatwaves-can-hong-kongs-infrastructure-handle-strain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3268014/thunderstorms-heatwaves-can-hong-kongs-infrastructure-handle-strain?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:28:43 +0000