https://www.scmp.com/rss/512321/feed John Lee Ka-chiu, a former policeman, was elected Hong Kong's chief executive in 2022. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong’s second-biggest public housing provider will gradually expand the supply of its subsidised sale flats, aiming for them to account for 40 per cent of its home supply in future projects. Hong Kong Housing Society chairman Ling Kar-kan said on Saturday the move was to meet residents’ strong desire to own their homes. In a television interview, Ling maintained the change had nothing to do with the agency’s financial soundness, although he agreed putting more flats on sale could help... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350574/hong-kong-housing-society-aims-boost-supply-subsidised-sale-flats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350574/hong-kong-housing-society-aims-boost-supply-subsidised-sale-flats?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:58:13 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu has met European Union representatives to discuss opportunities for cooperation, with the chief executive saying both sides highlighted a shared belief in multilateralism amid increasing tensions and market turmoil. Ambassador Harvey Rouse, head of the EU Office in Hong Kong, called for both sides to work together, describing the 27-member bloc as a “very dependable partner in an increasingly volatile world”. Local officials attending the lunch meeting on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350369/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-eu-officials-meet-discuss-trade-cooperation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350369/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-eu-officials-meet-discuss-trade-cooperation?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:19:17 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The annual National Security Education Day has been observed across China since its inception in 2015. In Hong Kong, it carried additional significance this year as the city strives to build on the restored stability and prosperity for a new critical stage of development under the nation’s new five-year blueprint. Themed “Proactively Align with the 15th five-year plan: Follow a Holistic Approach to Development and Security”, the message delivered at the official ceremony held in Wan Chai could... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3350154/hong-kong-must-stay-watchful-protect-its-hard-won-prosperity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3350154/hong-kong-must-stay-watchful-protect-its-hard-won-prosperity?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:15:11 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung More than 10,000 posts in the Hong Kong government will be cut by the end of June 2027, with close to 60 per cent being junior roles and about 3 per cent at the senior level, a minister has vowed. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan said on Monday the move was not “fattening the top but thinning the bottom” and was reasonable because the government workforce had far more frontline staff. Yeung was briefing legislators on her bureau’s budget for 2026-27 during a special... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3349934/hong-kong-slash-over-10000-civil-service-posts-mid-2027-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3349934/hong-kong-slash-over-10000-civil-service-posts-mid-2027-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:32:00 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu visited one of the schools offering free after-school care for low-income families last month. After receiving positive feedback from participants, he pledged to extend the programme to benefit more families. Lee said it had helped promote family harmony, with children also reporting “positive development in both academic and social aspects”. There’s little doubt we should celebrate victories, however small, but it is equally important to examine... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3349609/education-equality-hong-kong-policymakers-must-do-their-homework?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3349609/education-equality-hong-kong-policymakers-must-do-their-homework?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:30:08 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu has promised to allow more children from low-income families to enjoy after-school care on campus by further expanding a government scheme following positive feedback from participants. Social workers and educators welcomed the initiative on Saturday, proposing the government widen the scheme’s coverage to include more pupils and encourage more schools to join through subsidies. The scheme, launched as part of the government’s targeted measures to tackle... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3349042/hong-kongs-john-lee-pledges-expand-after-school-care-low-income-families?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3349042/hong-kongs-john-lee-pledges-expand-after-school-care-low-income-families?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 12:06:09 +0000 Julie Zhang,Enoch Yiu Julie Zhang,Enoch Yiu Hong Kong’s highly anticipated first batch of stablecoin licences did not materialise as expected by the end of March. Industry players said the delay may be caused by a slower-than-expected review process, adding that it could also be due to the regulators’ cautious stance towards launching the first batch of regulated stablecoin licences as the city seeks to cement its status as a digital-asset hub. “I don’t think [the delay] is caused by the market,” said Jack Poon, a member of the task force... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348492/hong-kongs-anticipated-stablecoin-licence-end-march-does-not-materialise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3348492/hong-kongs-anticipated-stablecoin-licence-end-march-does-not-materialise?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Singapore will explore opportunities arising from Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis megaproject and its coming five-year development plan, the city state’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said, stressing that relations between the two sides are “more important than ever” in a fragmenting world. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Friday that Wong’s visit – his first official trip to Hong Kong since becoming prime minister in 2024 – was indicative of the strong ties and friendship between the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3348166/singapore-explore-opportunities-hong-kongs-northern-metropolis-lawrence-wong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3348166/singapore-explore-opportunities-hong-kongs-northern-metropolis-lawrence-wong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:01:07 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong and Hainan should forge a strong partnership and explore new models of cooperation, the city’s leader has said, urging the business sector to capitalise on the mainland Chinese province’s free-trade port status by offering professional services in areas such as finance, law and accounting. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s call followed a meeting with Feng Fei, the Communist Party secretary of the Hainan provincial committee, on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia annual... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3347807/hong-kong-hainan-can-forge-strong-partnership-build-strengths-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3347807/hong-kong-hainan-can-forge-strong-partnership-build-strengths-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:36:42 +0000 Danny Mok,Natalie Wong Danny Mok,Natalie Wong Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will arrive in Hong Kong on Thursday for a three-day visit, meeting the city’s leader, politicians and businesspeople, and will also examine key sites in the Northern Metropolis megaproject to explore collaboration opportunities. It will be Wong’s first working visit to Hong Kong since he assumed office as Singapore’s fourth prime minister in May 2024. The visit will follow Wong’s attendance at the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference in Hainan province,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3347743/singapores-lawrence-wong-visit-hong-kong-after-boao-forum-trip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3347743/singapores-lawrence-wong-visit-hong-kong-after-boao-forum-trip?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:54:37 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Attracting talent to Hong Kong has been a core mission for the city’s leaders for several years. A human resources mega-event that began this week is showcasing to the world how their efforts are taking root and forming a diverse international talent ecosystem. The Global Talent Summit Week has drawn more than 7,000 participants and over 130,000 online with an international forum, an expo and nine satellite events that include award ceremonies, conferences and recruitment fairs. At the summit’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3347270/global-talent-summit-week-affirms-hong-kongs-push-diversity-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3347270/global-talent-summit-week-affirms-hong-kongs-push-diversity-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:15:17 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The first session of a public evidential hearing into a fire that engulfed a residential complex in Hong Kong and killed 168 people began on Thursday, nearly four months after the disaster. Ordered by the city’s leader and overseen by a judge-led independent committee, the hearings are meant to “clarify the relevant facts through oral evidence, written... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347090/public-hearings-begin-who-responsible-deadly-tai-po-fire-tragedy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347090/public-hearings-begin-who-responsible-deadly-tai-po-fire-tragedy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 01:24:23 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu’s alma mater was already struggling with major weaknesses that hurt enrolment, such as a small, remote campus and poor sanitation in the surrounding area, before the school was prevented from running a subsidised Primary One class. The Five Districts Business Welfare Association School, which has operated for 69 years, was among the 15 schools that failed to secure 16 Primary One pupils each to qualify for subsidies for the coming academic year. Fourteen of the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3346976/closing-struggling-hong-kong-schools-spares-parents-future-problems?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3346976/closing-struggling-hong-kong-schools-spares-parents-future-problems?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:19:05 +0000 Vivian Au,Lo Hoi-ying Vivian Au,Lo Hoi-ying Proposed designated laws to streamline land-use approval procedures for the Northern Metropolis megaproject will not undermine the authority of Hong Kong’s town planning body, some experts have argued, while urging the government to establish clear key performance indicators (KPIs) to strengthen market confidence. Observers were responding to a package of six subsidiary laws unveiled on Tuesday by the Development Bureau, designed to remove bottlenecks in the New Territories project. A key... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346939/northern-metropolis-land-use-laws-wont-undermine-boards-authority-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346939/northern-metropolis-land-use-laws-wont-undermine-boards-authority-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:30:09 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong authorities have proposed designated laws to streamline procedures for changing land use in the Northern Metropolis megaproject, cutting the process from typically nine months to just two. Unveiled by the Development Bureau on Tuesday, the proposed designated legislation comprises six main subsidiary laws designed to remove bottlenecks in the massive scheme near the border with mainland China. They include the establishment of statutory firms and measures to speed up land resumption... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346930/measures-streamline-northern-metropolis-land-use-procedures-unveiled?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346930/measures-streamline-northern-metropolis-land-use-procedures-unveiled?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:38:49 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Hong Kong will continue its efforts to expand business opportunities in the Middle East despite recent geopolitical tensions, as the city remains a safe and stable investment hub amid global volatility, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said. Despite his optimism, Lee conceded that the conflict in the Middle East had affected Hong Kong due to a surge in fuel prices, urging suppliers to increase transparency in pricing and warning of regulatory action in cases of commercial wrongdoing. “[The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346860/hong-kong-press-ahead-expanding-middle-east-ties-despite-regional-unrest?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346860/hong-kong-press-ahead-expanding-middle-east-ties-despite-regional-unrest?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:00:02 +0000 Themis Qi Themis Qi SmartMore, the first company backed by the Hong Kong government’s investment fund, has applied for a listing, underscoring the city’s crowded pipeline of technology initial public offerings (IPOs). The unicorn, founded in 2019 and specialising in industrial artificial intelligence, submitted its application on Monday night, with Morgan Stanley, China International Capital Corporation and Deutsche Bank as joint sponsors. SmartMore provides intelligent manufacturing and digital innovation through... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3346854/smartmore-first-firm-backed-hong-kong-wealth-fund-seeks-ipo-tech-pipeline-heats?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3346854/smartmore-first-firm-backed-hong-kong-wealth-fund-seeks-ipo-tech-pipeline-heats?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:40:12 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen The Hong Kong government will set up a collaborative mechanism with the legislature to craft the city’s first five-year plan to align with national development, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said, with the blueprint expected to be ready by the end of this year. Lee also stressed on Tuesday that the platform would reflect the city’s executive-led governance model, adding that a public consultation on the plan would be launched in the fourth quarter before its publication. “The plan will... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346832/executive-work-legco-under-new-mechanism-craft-hong-kongs-five-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3346832/executive-work-legco-under-new-mechanism-craft-hong-kongs-five-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:04:41 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu After the annual “two sessions” in Beijing, it’s clear that Hong Kong policymakers have their work cut out for them. It has been made abundantly clear what is expected of Hong Kong: stop messing around and get on with the national programme. Hong Kong is part of the nation’s plans to move forward. The country knows exactly where the city fits into the big picture, how it can catapult growth in key areas and play the role of superconnector between China and the rest of the world. The 15th... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346468/mainland-style-oversight-system-could-help-legco-deliver?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3346468/mainland-style-oversight-system-could-help-legco-deliver?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung More than 300 homeowners from the fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po have signed a petition to be sent to Hong Kong’s leader, demanding a face-to-face meeting with the government-appointed Hop On Management Company over unresolved issues. The letter to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, obtained by the South China Morning Post on Sunday, bore 336 signatures and raised concerns in seven areas. These include the use of remaining renovation funds, the handling of outstanding management fees and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346679/over-300-wang-fuk-court-homeowners-petition-hong-kongs-john-lee-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346679/over-300-wang-fuk-court-homeowners-petition-hong-kongs-john-lee-meeting?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:22:48 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela Douglas Young is the co-founder and creative force behind the iconic lifestyle brand Goods of Desire (G.O.D). Bringing humour and creativity, the brand offers home furnishings, fashion and premium gifts with a distinct Hong Kong identity. Who are your top local style icons? David Tang, Josephine Siao, Bruce Lee and Labubu. What has been the city’s best creative export in the last 20 years? Cathay Pacific. They consistently maintain high standards when it comes to design. They are patrons to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3346355/their-words-douglas-young-founder-hong-kong-lifestyle-brand-god?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3346355/their-words-douglas-young-founder-hong-kong-lifestyle-brand-god?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:00:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The “two sessions” of China’s top legislative and political advisory bodies have concluded with the passage of major resolutions. A number of things set it apart. One is the endorsement by lawmakers of the nation’s 15th five-year plan – a road map with which Hong Kong is aligning its development. The other is that despite the distractions of war in the Middle East between rival power the United States and economic partner Iran, and the roller-coaster impact on the price of oil, China’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346385/chinas-two-sessions-passes-smoothly-despite-global-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346385/chinas-two-sessions-passes-smoothly-despite-global-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu The annual “two sessions” in Beijing are under way, and this year the annual ritual of reading tea leaves in this city has been made easier for politics watchers. That is because Beijing has been blunt about the problems it thinks our city faces. There is the usual praise for the Hong Kong government and Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s leadership. One striking difference is that Premier Li Qiang included in his annual work report, delivered at the opening session of the National People’s... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345732/beijings-message-clear-hong-kong-must-shape-and-speed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3345732/beijings-message-clear-hong-kong-must-shape-and-speed?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong must do more to shatter the glass ceilings at its roots, moving beyond token diversity to ensure motherhood no longer derails women’s careers, advocates have said on International Women’s Day. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Sunday that women were “holding up more than half the sky” for Hong Kong as they accounted for 54 per cent of the population and comprised half of the government, legal and accounting workforce, with increasing representation in corporate leadership. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345880/hong-kong-must-ensure-motherhood-no-longer-derails-womens-careers-advocates?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345880/hong-kong-must-ensure-motherhood-no-longer-derails-womens-careers-advocates?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:15 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Edith Lin Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Edith Lin Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang has acknowledged it is no “easy task” to truly implement Hong Kong’s executive-led governance system, stressing that it must be a “shared responsibility” of the legislative and judicial branches and society as a whole. The state leader also urged the city to “grasp” the opportunities of China’s 15th five-year plan as he highlighted key areas such as quantum technology, aerospace and the low-altitude economy, while calling on local entrepreneurs to proactively... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345644/chinese-vice-premier-stresses-shared-duty-hong-kongs-executive-led-governance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345644/chinese-vice-premier-stresses-shared-duty-hong-kongs-executive-led-governance?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:21:09 +0000 Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong should enhance its role as an international financial hub by strengthening its offshore renminbi business and supply chain services, and speed up the Northern Metropolis megaproject, according to the nation’s next five-year plan. Beijing set out its expectations for the city in a draft of its 15th five-year plan, submitted on Thursday to the National People’s Congress, the country’s legislature. The plan outlines China’s economic and social development targets for 2026 to 2030. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345521/beijing-tasks-hong-kong-fast-tracking-northern-metropolis-boosting-integration?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345521/beijing-tasks-hong-kong-fast-tracking-northern-metropolis-boosting-integration?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:23:52 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing Beijing will roll out further favourable measures for Hong Kong while the coming 15th five-year plan will also step up support for the city in leveraging its unique strengths, a spokesman for the nation’s legislature has said. National People’s Congress (NPC) spokesman Lou Qinjian said on Wednesday that the central government would make further arrangements in the 15th five-year plan to support Hong Kong in “leveraging its unique strengths and to perform a significant role”. “More beneficial... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345402/chinas-top-advisory-body-urges-greater-bay-area-cities-align-rules-regulations?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345402/chinas-top-advisory-body-urges-greater-bay-area-cities-align-rules-regulations?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:42:57 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Emily Hung Matthew Cheng,Lam Ka-sing,Emily Hung Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs has urged the city to focus on development amid heightening geopolitical tensions and to cherish its hard-earned stability, according to local delegates visiting the capital for the annual “two sessions” political gatherings. Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), also said on Tuesday that the city enjoyed “favourable timing, advantageous location and unity of the people” in pursuing development, while calling for work on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345243/starry-lee-propose-boosting-hong-kongs-role-offshore-yuan-hub-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3345243/starry-lee-propose-boosting-hong-kongs-role-offshore-yuan-hub-two-sessions?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:41:24 +0000 Julie Zhang,Yulu Ao Julie Zhang,Yulu Ao Until last year, Fidelity International’s most significant cornerstone commitments on the Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO) market dated back to 2021, when Chinese short-video platform Kuaishou Technology raised US$5.4 billion and healthcare firm Medlive Technology completed a US$543.4 million listing. Then for the next four years, the asset manager went quiet. Late last year it returned to Chinese assets in force. It backed gold miner Zijin Gold International’s US$3.2 billion listing in... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3344890/big-cornerstone-comeback-whats-driving-investors-back-hong-kong-ipos?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3344890/big-cornerstone-comeback-whats-driving-investors-back-hong-kong-ipos?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Feb 2026 02:00:57 +0000 Grenville Cross Grenville Cross After being sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for national security offences on February 9, Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai Chee-ying will decide if he wishes to appeal. He may challenge his convictions and/or sentences and has about two weeks to make up his mind. Given the length of his trial (156 days), the mountain of evidence and the legal issues, it will take time for any appeal to be resolved. Meanwhile, foreign actors have turned their attention to securing Lai’s early release. The lead... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3344253/speedy-pardon-jimmy-lai-case-unlikely?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3344253/speedy-pardon-jimmy-lai-case-unlikely?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Hong Kong’s coming annual budget must address critical bottlenecks in technology and talent attraction to pave the way for the city’s first five-year development framework in line with national priorities, according to observers. The budget, to be delivered by Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po on Wednesday, is more than a fiscal exercise. It is viewed as the first major test of officials’ “reform mindset” after Beijing unveiled the nation’s 15th five-year plan recommendations, which include... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344219/hong-kong-budget-2026-27-whats-holding-back-citys-tech-and-talent-schemes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344219/hong-kong-budget-2026-27-whats-holding-back-citys-tech-and-talent-schemes?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Feb 2026 01:00:27 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial If cautious optimism is the prevailing sentiment in a troubled world, the city could not have wished for a more auspicious launch to the Year of the Horse than the race meeting at Sha Tin on the third day of the Lunar New Year. Amid a crowd of 92,612, the biggest since the Covid-19 pandemic, it was Hong Kong in exuberant and resilient form. Punters pressed against the rails in balmy weather and an estimated 20,395 mainland visitors helped pack the stands. Thoroughbreds charging down the straight... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3344128/record-post-covid-horse-race-attendance-kicks-auspicious-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3344128/record-post-covid-horse-race-attendance-kicks-auspicious-year?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Harvey Kong Connor Mycroft,Harvey Kong Hong Kong’s visitor numbers on the first two days of Lunar New Year are at least 8 per cent higher than in 2025, with Wednesday’s fireworks display boosting momentum further as tens of thousands of spectators lined both sides of Victoria Harbour for the show. The huge crowd gasped in awe as the 23-minute spectacle to celebrate the Year of the Horse lit up the night skies above Victoria Harbour with 31,888 shells, including pyrotechnics forming the shapes of gold ingots and horseshoes. Chief... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343928/tens-thousands-eagerly-waiting-hong-kong-lunar-new-year-fireworks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343928/tens-thousands-eagerly-waiting-hong-kong-lunar-new-year-fireworks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:39:56 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong will “move with agility and steadiness” in the Year of the Horse to seize opportunities and overcome challenges, the city’s leader has said in a message to residents. The one-minute Lunar New Year video, broadcast on Monday, showed Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu dressed in a traditional red Chinese suit and admiring paintings of horses on ceramic plates – some created by his wife, Janet Lee Lam Lai-sim. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, Lee described the horse as an animal that boldly charged... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343698/move-agility-and-steadiness-year-horse-john-lee-tells-hongkongers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343698/move-agility-and-steadiness-year-horse-john-lee-tells-hongkongers?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:18:12 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong investors are reviewing their stakes in Panama following a dispute over a concession held by a subsidiary of CK Hutchison to operate two ports in the country, the city’s leader has said, pledging to work with Beijing to push back. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday also urged Panamanian authorities to ensure “fair and reasonable” treatment for Hong Kong firms operating in the country. “The incident has undermined investors’ confidence in Panama’s business environment, and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343024/ports-row-prompts-hong-kong-investors-reassess-stakes-panama-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343024/ports-row-prompts-hong-kong-investors-reassess-stakes-panama-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 06:06:25 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s first attempt to craft its own five-year development framework may seem like a routine response to China’s new development plan up to 2030. But it marks a paradigm shift towards a more proactive effort to marry strategic directions with the city’s long-standing strengths under the “one country, two systems” framework. For the first time, the government will devise a five-year plan for key areas of development, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said, to better align the city’s next... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3342676/hong-kongs-move-craft-5-year-plan-marks-paradigm-shift?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3342676/hong-kongs-move-craft-5-year-plan-marks-paradigm-shift?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Regina Ip Regina Ip At this time of year, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po’s top priority is finalising the Hong Kong government’s budget for 2026-27, balancing requests for incentives and welfare against calls for a return to fiscal prudence. For decades, budget speeches have followed a familiar structure: a review of past performance, near- and medium-term forecasts, support measures for industries and social services, a report on the government’s fiscal position and financial estimates for the coming year.... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3342610/hong-kongs-budget-should-move-city-towards-inspirational-development?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3342610/hong-kongs-budget-should-move-city-towards-inspirational-development?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Feb 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Fiona Chow,Jess Ma,Leopold Chen Fiona Chow,Jess Ma,Leopold Chen An independent committee investigating Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades has found “key clues” pointing to systemic loopholes that it called “unacceptable”. At the committee’s first meeting, lasting 1½ hours on Thursday, senior counsel Victor Dawes said the body had received extensive information from relevant parties. The leading barrister added that this had given the committee a “considerable understanding” of the fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po. “The evidence appears... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342448/fairness-pledged-hong-kong-residents-seek-answers-tai-po-fire-inquiry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3342448/fairness-pledged-hong-kong-residents-seek-answers-tai-po-fire-inquiry?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Feb 2026 02:55:06 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng The head of Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong has called on the city to focus on economic progress, proactively align with national development and strengthen the executive-led governance model. Office director Zhou Ji made the remarks on Wednesday at a reception to celebrate the coming Lunar New Year, highlighting Beijing’s expectations for Hong Kong in keeping with the country’s 15th five-year plan. He also urged Hongkongers to overcome adversity by embracing the “Lion Rock Spirit” and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3342414/hong-kong-must-be-reformer-not-complacent-idler-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3342414/hong-kong-must-be-reformer-not-complacent-idler-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:52:56 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng A new task force led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will formulate Hong Kong’s first five-year blueprint to align with the nation’s 15th five-year plan, with a political analyst saying the move signals greater government involvement in shaping the city’s development. Lee also said on Monday that he would prioritise visits to Eastern Europe and Central Asia to explore new markets for local businesses, stressing the need to “avoid putting all eggs in one basket” and mitigate risk amid... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3342077/hong-kong-formulate-first-5-year-plan-align-national-blueprint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3342077/hong-kong-formulate-first-5-year-plan-align-national-blueprint?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 07:20:52 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu People generally don’t like change. But if you have ever had to take the worst seat on a bus – lower deck, last row, middle seat – then you would have probably put on the seat belt to avoid being catapulted down the aisle should the driver slam on the brakes. And if you’re on the upper deck and the only available seats are in the front row, then again, you would buckle up, to avoid going through the window in an accident. A responsible person would wear a seat belt when sitting anywhere in the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3341855/seat-belt-u-turn-hong-kong-another-case-ill-fitting-policy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3341855/seat-belt-u-turn-hong-kong-another-case-ill-fitting-policy?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 01:30:08 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s private schools could be ordered to cease operating or have their registration revoked if their management is deemed unsatisfactory under new guidelines issued by education authorities. The Education Bureau released a code of practice on Friday for private primary and secondary schools, following reports of poor management – including some allegedly offering unauthorised courses and collecting fees from parents without approval. The document said the bureau might issue an advisory or... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3341955/hong-kong-steps-scrutiny-private-schools?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3341955/hong-kong-steps-scrutiny-private-schools?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Jan 2026 12:10:14 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s top decision-making body has held 25 per cent fewer meetings in the first 3½ years of the current administration compared with the previous two governments, the South China Morning Post has found, with the group’s secretariat urging the public to focus on “outcomes of the work” rather than on the number of gatherings. The Executive Council Secretariat stopped short of commenting on the trend directly due to the principle of confidentiality, but said the government had been... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341951/outcomes-not-output-exco-held-25-fewer-meetings-over-john-lees-tenure-so-far?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341951/outcomes-not-output-exco-held-25-fewer-meetings-over-john-lees-tenure-so-far?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Jan 2026 11:37:40 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s resilience and evolution as a global financial centre was shining brightly this week when important milestones were unveiled at an international business gathering in the city. The community should celebrate the “unprecedented achievements” and prepare to work to ensure the momentum continues in an era of great geopolitical uncertainty. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu opened the 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) on Monday by unveiling a game-changing deal with Shanghai to turn Hong... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3341403/hong-kongs-future-financial-centre-looks-golden?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3341403/hong-kongs-future-financial-centre-looks-golden?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 23:15:09 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong The Hong Kong government is reviewing feedback from 90 per cent of property owners hit by the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court on their long-term rehousing preferences, with the city leader stressing that “every option” is on the table amid calls to rebuild the burnt-out estate on site. Two months after the blaze that claimed 168 lives, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday underlined the urgency of announcing the resettlement plan for thousands of displaced residents, but stopped short... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341365/all-options-considered-amid-feedback-flat-owners-hit-tai-po-fire-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341365/all-options-considered-amid-feedback-flat-owners-hit-tai-po-fire-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:29:40 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Hong Kong’s leader has vowed to expedite the growth of innovation and technology (I&T) across the product development cycle by streamlining the path from lab to market, including using a “dual-engine” strategy that partners with the finance industry. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the pledge at a ceremony on Thursday that marked the 10th anniversary of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences. In his speech, he underscored the government’s commitment to transforming the city into an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340885/hong-kongs-john-lee-wants-fast-track-it-sector-growth-so-whats-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3340885/hong-kongs-john-lee-wants-fast-track-it-sector-growth-so-whats-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:26:59 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Accountability is at the core of a disciplinary investigation into the scandal involving the procurement of bottled water for government offices last year. Equally important is that lessons are learned and the appropriate punishment meted out to those responsible so as to serve as a stern warning for civil servants who fail to discharge their duties conscientiously. It has been found that three Government Logistics Department officers did not perform up to the standards commensurate with their... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3340646/bottled-water-scandal-should-prompt-civil-servants-exercise-due-diligence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3340646/bottled-water-scandal-should-prompt-civil-servants-exercise-due-diligence?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 23:15:08 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong delegates to China’s top political advisory body are a “steadfast patriotic force” and make an important contribution to the city’s long-term prosperity and stability, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said. The city leader praised the delegates of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Wednesday as he hosted Jiang Zuojun, vice-chairman of the body’s 14th National Committee, at Government House. The meeting took place less than two months before the fourth... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340731/john-lee-calls-hong-kongs-cppcc-delegates-steadfast-patriotic-force?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340731/john-lee-calls-hong-kongs-cppcc-delegates-steadfast-patriotic-force?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:45:32 +0000 Oscar Liu,William Yiu Oscar Liu,William Yiu More than half of Hong Kong’s 78 semi-private schools have applied to increase class sizes and student numbers to admit more non-locals as part of the city’s drive to become an international education hub. The Education Bureau said on Monday that it has received an “enthusiastic response” to its earlier invitation to all Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools to take in more non-local pupils. The initiative, first outlined in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s policy address last year, allows DSS... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3340466/40-hong-kong-semi-private-schools-eye-more-non-local-pupils-education-hub-push?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3340466/40-hong-kong-semi-private-schools-eye-more-non-local-pupils-education-hub-push?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:52:21 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu The dust has settled on the election of the Legislative Council president, and committees and panels have settled into the new Legco. Most, it seems, are ready to hit the ground running. First on the agenda: dealing with the aftermath of the Tai Po fire. The more immediate matters involve the rebuilding of a community that has lost so much. Equally pressing are the long-standing issues laid bare by the tragic fire that demand the government fix the entire building sector. Consultations with... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3340199/policy-blowback-shows-why-hong-kong-lawmakers-must-play-bigger-role?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3340199/policy-blowback-shows-why-hong-kong-lawmakers-must-play-bigger-role?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:30:09 +0000