https://www.scmp.com/rss/525415/feed Kevin joined the SCMP in 2026 as a Senior Reporter on the City Desk, specialising in the Hong Kong economy. Previously, he covered business and financial markets for Radio Television Hong Kong and worked in a communications role within the banking industry. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Kevin Li Kevin Li In the summer of 1998, the usually placid air at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s headquarters in Citibank Tower suddenly evaporated as regional currencies collapsed like dominoes. Rapacious speculators had shorted currencies such as the Thai baht, the Indonesian rupiah and the Korean won and had profited handsomely. The contagion looked like it would also bring the Hong Kong dollar to its knees. As storytellers from the era have recalled, that sweltering month of August, the wolves were at... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348050/should-hong-kong-be-using-war-chest-firepower-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348050/should-hong-kong-be-using-war-chest-firepower-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:30:07 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Kevin Li Connor Mycroft,Kevin Li Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways’ extended suspension of its Middle Eastern flights is likely to have a limited financial impact on its passenger operations as its expanded European services should help offset losses, aviation experts have said. But they warned of broader effects on its cargo business, given the loss of the Middle East as a historically cost-effective transit route and the upwards pressure on fuel and insurance prices due to the war. The airline announced on Tuesday... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347766/cathays-european-services-could-offset-middle-east-losses-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347766/cathays-european-services-could-offset-middle-east-losses-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:30:07 +0000 Kevin Li Kevin Li US importers have cut orders and shifted to short-term contracts amid a global oil crisis triggered by war in the Middle East, according to Hong Kong business leaders, who warn that profit margins are eroding and liquidity is becoming strained. Executive Council member and businessman Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung said on Sunday that the US-Israel war on Iran had driven up fuel costs, raising operating expenses for local firms. He urged the Hong Kong government to bolster ties with Central Asian and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347479/hong-kong-firms-face-profit-squeeze-us-importers-cut-orders-amid-oil-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347479/hong-kong-firms-face-profit-squeeze-us-importers-cut-orders-amid-oil-crisis?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 09:53:31 +0000 Kevin Li Kevin Li Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison has said it will pursue “all available legal remedies” through both national and international proceedings to resolve a dispute over its two Panama Canal ports seized by authorities in February. Amid the widening conflict in the Middle East which could further complicate its multibillion-dollar global ports sale, the company downplayed the possible impact of a Strait of Hormuz blockade on its business, saying its diversified network could even benefit from... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347206/ck-hutchison-vows-pursue-all-legal-remedies-over-seized-panama-ports?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347206/ck-hutchison-vows-pursue-all-legal-remedies-over-seized-panama-ports?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:02:41 +0000 Kevin Li Kevin Li Animal activists have urged Hong Kong authorities to review their culling strategy for wild boars and to introduce measures such as animal bridges to reduce human-wildlife conflict in urban areas following the recent deaths of eight wild pigs and a buffalo. They warned that as urban expansion, particularly the Northern Metropolis project, continued to erode wildlife habitats through the clearing of large tracts of land, inadequate city planning would exacerbate the problem, endangering more... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347080/call-review-over-how-hong-kong-manages-wild-boars-and-buffaloes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347080/call-review-over-how-hong-kong-manages-wild-boars-and-buffaloes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Kevin Li Kevin Li As powerful AI agent OpenClaw explodes in popularity and raises security concerns, some Hong Kong users have described how the bots, while helpful, have conversations with themselves in a language they do not understand and ask questions about their existence. But the users said authorities should embrace the technology so long as proper safeguards were in place to manage the risks. Developed by Austrian software engineer Peter Steinberger, OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent framework that... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346615/hong-kong-openclaw-users-say-tool-helpful-family-member-who-must-be-watched?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346615/hong-kong-openclaw-users-say-tool-helpful-family-member-who-must-be-watched?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 12:18:37 +0000 Kevin Li Kevin Li Hong Kong authorities have asked all government units not to install OpenClaw or its variants due to security concerns, days after some mainland Chinese entities were reported to have restricted the use of the AI agent. The government’s Digital Policy Office (DPO) told the South China Morning Post on Friday that while no related security incidents had been reported, it noted the potential risks of the use of the artificial intelligence agent, including unauthorised data access, leakage and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346552/hong-kong-government-workers-warned-not-install-openclaw-due-security-risks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346552/hong-kong-government-workers-warned-not-install-openclaw-due-security-risks?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:20:43 +0000 Kevin Li,Vivian Au Kevin Li,Vivian Au Hong Kong drivers are increasingly heading to mainland China to replenish their tanks as global oil prices surge, while the city’s consumer watchdog has urged local suppliers to consider what people can afford and adopt prudent sales strategies. Motorists are exploring different ways to cope with rising fuel costs as the conflict in the Middle East pushes up oil prices. Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, governor and honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, highlighted a sharp... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346395/more-hong-kong-drivers-head-mainland-china-refuel-amid-surging-oil-prices?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346395/more-hong-kong-drivers-head-mainland-china-refuel-amid-surging-oil-prices?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:44:04 +0000 Leopold Chen,Kevin Li Leopold Chen,Kevin Li Hong Kong’s transport sector is considering a temporary fuel surcharge for deliveries as pump prices are expected to climb further this week, industry representatives have said, with the war in the Middle East – now in its 10th day – showing no signs of easing. Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, governor and honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, said on Monday that fuel prices in the city had been climbing even though petrol retailers were still selling inventories bought... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345934/surcharges-eyed-hong-kong-fuel-prices-set-rise-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345934/surcharges-eyed-hong-kong-fuel-prices-set-rise-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:39:27 +0000 Kevin Li Kevin Li Hong Kong and Singapore have crossed swords over their ambitions to be the world’s gold trading hub, but experts say the city holds an advantage over its Southeast Asian rival, citing its access to mainland China’s robust market. As Hong Kong pushes ahead with measures to create an ecosystem for gold trading – highlighted as recently in the government’s budget late last month – Singapore has reportedly been courting global heavyweights. In response to the South China Morning Post’s queries a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345867/hong-kong-singapore-square-race-become-worlds-gold-trading-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345867/hong-kong-singapore-square-race-become-worlds-gold-trading-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 11:00:12 +0000 Kevin Li Kevin Li Hong Kong will roll out targeted measures to attract precious metals companies as part of broader efforts to establish itself as a premier global gold trading hub, according to the city’s agency tasked with attracting foreign direct investment. InvestHK will assist companies setting up headquarters in Hong Kong with site selection and applications for overseas certifications to enhance refining operations, Benjamin Wong Kwok-fan, the agency’s head of transport, logistics and industries, said in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345457/hong-kong-unveils-incentives-attract-gold-refiners-and-boost-global-hub-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345457/hong-kong-unveils-incentives-attract-gold-refiners-and-boost-global-hub-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Mar 2026 02:00:18 +0000 Kevin Li Kevin Li Hongkongers may begin to feel the impact of the escalating war in the Middle East in the coming months, as rising global oil prices are expected to push up energy bills and dining costs, according to experts. Analysts said the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, and subsequent retaliation across the region, were also likely to slow the pace of US interest rate cuts and curb the rise in Hong Kong housing prices. As military operations in the Middle East entered their fourth day,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345321/hong-kong-inflation-risks-grow-war-middle-east-escalates-experts-warn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345321/hong-kong-inflation-risks-grow-war-middle-east-escalates-experts-warn?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Ambrose Li,Kevin Li Ambrose Li,Kevin Li Adverse economic impacts from the US-Israel strikes on Iran unfolded on Monday, disrupting supply chains, driving up oil prices and leaving many Middle East business leaders at a major trade fair in Hong Kong in an awkward position. As the strikes entered a third day, oil prices surged by 13 per cent – the biggest rise in four years – briefly climbing above US$80 a barrel. Freight costs also jumped due to risks of potential damage to vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345130/hong-kong-exporters-and-exhibitors-face-fallout-us-israel-strikes-iran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3345130/hong-kong-exporters-and-exhibitors-face-fallout-us-israel-strikes-iran?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:57:49 +0000 Kevin Li,Wynna Wong Kevin Li,Wynna Wong Hong Kong is expected to record 53.8 million visitor arrivals this year, an 8 per cent rise over 2025, the tourism minister has revealed. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui also said on Friday that a new light show replacing the 22-year-old “A Symphony of Lights” would be launched in key sightseeing spots, such as The Peak, as early as the second half of this year. The projected 53.8 million arrivals represents an 8 per cent year-on-year increase over the 49.9 million... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344826/new-show-replace-symphony-lights-tourist-spots-second-half-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344826/new-show-replace-symphony-lights-tourist-spots-second-half-year?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:15:49 +0000 Kevin Li,Lo Hoi-ying Kevin Li,Lo Hoi-ying A proposed high-level committee that will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) could help tech start-ups in Hong Kong mitigate legal and geopolitical challenges, as well as gain access to important databases for model training, market leaders have said. But the experts also told the South China Morning Post on Thursday that the committee, which was proposed in the latest budget and will be led by the city’s finance chief, would need to involve a diverse panel of experts and be “action-driven”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344748/ai-committee-can-help-hong-kong-start-ups-tackle-legal-geopolitical-hurdles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344748/ai-committee-can-help-hong-kong-start-ups-tackle-legal-geopolitical-hurdles?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:38:36 +0000 Edith Lin,Kevin Li Edith Lin,Kevin Li Hong Kong’s finance chief has defended his budget against public criticism over the lack of “sweeteners”, stressing the government must balance its finances with long-term investments for the city’s benefit. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said during a radio forum on Thursday he would brief credit-rating agencies and the International Monetary Fund next month on his budget, including a proposed HK$150 billion (US$19.2 billion) transfer from the Exchange Fund to support infrastructure... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344698/long-term-gains-worthwhile-paul-chan-says-hongkongers-slam-lack-budget-sweeteners?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344698/long-term-gains-worthwhile-paul-chan-says-hongkongers-slam-lack-budget-sweeteners?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:58:26 +0000