https://www.scmp.com/rss/745/feed Olga Wong supervises operations of the city desk, with a focus on news coverage about public health, housing, environment and other social issues at the Post since 2007. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Olga Wong Olga Wong A Hong Kong police chief superintendent turned public relations adviser will lead the government’s Information Services Department, becoming the first non-administrative officer to take up the post. John Tse Chun-chung, who has served as the government’s information coordinator since 2024, is expected to take up the post on a three-year contract on Tuesday. Tse, 49, joined the force in 1999. He became a well-known face during the 2019 anti-government protests, when he led the police’s daily... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352301/police-turned-pr-adviser-john-tse-set-top-government-media-role?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3352301/police-turned-pr-adviser-john-tse-set-top-government-media-role?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 May 2026 01:02:37 +0000 Oscar Liu,Olga Wong,Vivian Au Oscar Liu,Olga Wong,Vivian Au Global drug maker Pfizer and biotech firm Amgen, each valued at more than HK$1 trillion (US$153 billion), are among 22 strategic enterprises from the fintech, cloud computing and aerial transport sectors to open or expand offices in Hong Kong. The firms attended a ceremony on Monday to sign agreements with the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES). It marked the sixth cohort under the government’s flagship investment initiative since its launch, as the South China Morning Post... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350693/pfizer-amgen-among-22-strategic-firms-eyeing-hong-kong-expansion-source?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350693/pfizer-amgen-among-22-strategic-firms-eyeing-hong-kong-expansion-source?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:58:40 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Olga Wong Matthew Cheng,Olga Wong Hong Kong’s sole legal betting operator and lawmakers were caught off guard by the government’s abrupt decision to suspend the rollout of legal basketball betting, which some believe was intended to align with Beijing’s efforts to curb gambling amid a surge in prediction markets. The government confirmed on Monday that it had suspended its plan to launch basketball betting, which had been scheduled for September. Officials cited the rise of prediction markets – cryptocurrency-based platforms... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350048/hong-kongs-basketball-betting-u-turn-aligns-beijing-gambling-clampdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3350048/hong-kongs-basketball-betting-u-turn-aligns-beijing-gambling-clampdown?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:31:21 +0000 Leopold Chen,Ambrose Li,Olga Wong Leopold Chen,Ambrose Li,Olga Wong The Hong Kong government has proposed short-term measures including diesel subsidies of HK$3 per litre and reduced tunnel tolls to ease pressure on the commercial transport sector, which is grappling with soaring fuel prices. Confirming an earlier South China Morning Post report, the government said on Thursday night that a recently formed task force monitoring fuel price movements had floated four temporary measures prioritising diesel-powered commercial vehicles and vessels, and ferries. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3349450/hong-kong-roll-out-relief-measures-transport-sector-fuel-costs-soar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3349450/hong-kong-roll-out-relief-measures-transport-sector-fuel-costs-soar?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:57:21 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory has cancelled an amber rainstorm warning in force for an hour as downpours lashed parts of the city. The warning was issued at 10am on Monday and cancelled an hour later. An amber rainstorm warning indicates heavy and persistent rain exceeding 30mm (1.2 inches) an hour falling over Hong Kong. “An area of intense thundery showers is... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3348338/hong-kong-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning-thundery-showers-expected?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3348338/hong-kong-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning-thundery-showers-expected?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:24:51 +0000 Emily Hung,Olga Wong Emily Hung,Olga Wong Retired civil servant Janice Tse Siu-wa has been appointed the new secretary for constitutional and mainland affairs, with her top priority being the formulation of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Monday that he had nominated the 61-year-old Tse to the State Council because of her strong passion for the five-year plan and capability, stemming from her 38 years of working for the government. “The first local five-year plan must be formulated within this... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3348334/janice-tse-appointed-new-constitutional-and-mainland-affairs-chief-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3348334/janice-tse-appointed-new-constitutional-and-mainland-affairs-chief-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:38:26 +0000 Fiona Sun,Olga Wong Fiona Sun,Olga Wong Hong Kong authorities will issue weekly announcements about the changes in international and local fuel costs from April, following mounting suspicion that businesses are prematurely raising prices because of the United States-Israeli war on Iran. The move announced on Saturday was welcomed by experts, although some said prices were ultimately out of the government’s hands and it should consider temporarily cutting the fuel tax if levels soared. “We are currently collecting and organising data.... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347414/hong-kong-issue-weekly-updates-fuel-price-changes-april-1?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3347414/hong-kong-issue-weekly-updates-fuel-price-changes-april-1?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2026 06:25:32 +0000 Vivian Au,Olga Wong Vivian Au,Olga Wong Donald Liao Poon-huai, one of Hong Kong’s most influential government architects and public housing visionaries who became the first Chinese official under British rule to serve as secretary for district administration, has died at the age of 96. His family confirmed his death to the South China Morning Post on Friday, with one member saying he died peacefully on Thursday morning at home. Liao was surrounded by family and friends on his last evening. “He lived a long, meaningful life and made... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346464/donald-liao-architect-who-shaped-hong-kongs-housing-landscape-dies-96?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3346464/donald-liao-architect-who-shaped-hong-kongs-housing-landscape-dies-96?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:03:41 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong Hong Kong’s finance chief on Wednesday lived up to his credentials as a chartered accountant when he produced a surprisingly robust budget, flush with surpluses and full of initiatives to be funded through substantial means at his disposal. One significant initiative is a rare move to dip into the Exchange Fund, the government’s main investment arm and de facto sovereign wealth fund, traditionally used to defend the currency peg to the US dollar, to finance infrastructure development. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344650/budget-reveal-government-turns-matchmaker-stronger-hand-shaping-economy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344650/budget-reveal-government-turns-matchmaker-stronger-hand-shaping-economy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:16 +0000 Olga Wong,Matthew Cheng,Theodora Yu Olga Wong,Matthew Cheng,Theodora Yu Hong Kong’s finance chief will earmark substantial funds for a new innovation hub near the border with mainland China and include incentives to attract more aerospace players to the city in his budget, government sources have said. Highlighting innovation as a key theme of Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po’s budget speech to be delivered on Wednesday, the insiders told the South China Morning Post that the blueprint would provide significant impetus to the new San Tin Technopole. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344512/huge-funds-tech-hub-incentives-aerospace-sector-hong-kong-budget-sources?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344512/huge-funds-tech-hub-incentives-aerospace-sector-hong-kong-budget-sources?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:32 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong Hong Kong’s finance chief will unveil new measures in his budget to strengthen the city’s growing intellectual property (IP) economy, focusing on nurturing top-tier talent and helping local tech firms evaluate their patents, the South China Morning Post has learned. The initiatives, expected to be announced on Wednesday, come as Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po faces mounting expectations to make strategic use of the city’s earlier-than-expected operating surplus while investing in long-term... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344370/hong-kong-boost-ip-economy-new-academy-patent-evaluation-support?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3344370/hong-kong-boost-ip-economy-new-academy-patent-evaluation-support?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Fiona Chow,Olga Wong Fiona Chow,Olga Wong Beijing has vowed to take all necessary measures to safeguard the rights of Chinese enterprises after Panama’s Supreme Court ruled that a contract held by a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings to operate two ports at the country’s canal was unconstitutional. The Hong Kong government on Friday also slammed the ruling, which could leave the Li Ka-shing-controlled CK Hutchison empire at risk of losing its right to operate two major ports at either end of the strategic Panama... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341785/hong-kongs-ck-hutchison-risks-losing-panama-port-rights-after-court-ruling?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3341785/hong-kongs-ck-hutchison-risks-losing-panama-port-rights-after-court-ruling?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:37:37 +0000 Edith Lin,Olga Wong Edith Lin,Olga Wong Any potential Hong Kong cabinet reshuffle will take place only after the investigation into the deadly Tai Po blaze wraps up, sources have told the Post, following a media report suggesting two ministers were set to step down. A government spokesman on Thursday did not deny the report suggesting that Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin and Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai would step down “in the near future”, adding only that the administration would... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340886/no-hong-kong-cabinet-reshuffle-until-tai-po-blaze-probe-wraps-sources?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3340886/no-hong-kong-cabinet-reshuffle-until-tai-po-blaze-probe-wraps-sources?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:36:20 +0000 Olga Wong,Ambrose Li Olga Wong,Ambrose Li Hong Kong police are investigating a report of child abuse after a runner took part in a marathon while carrying his baby. The investigation was launched after a viral video showing the baby strapped to the runner’s chest during the race sparked public concern. Police said they received a report on Monday accusing the mainland Chinese man of child abuse. No arrests have been made so far. “The investigator in charge has already reached out to the runner and is arranging a time for him to return... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3340628/police-probe-child-abuse-report-after-man-runs-baby-hong-kong-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3340628/police-probe-child-abuse-report-after-man-runs-baby-hong-kong-marathon?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 03:03:03 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong Hong Kong authorities have questioned a World Bank report giving the city lower grades for business readiness, saying outdated data has led to unfair comparisons. The Digital Policy Office said early on Tuesday that Hong Kong remained among the top 20 for “operational efficiency” and in the second quintile for “regulatory framework” and “public services” in the World Bank Group’s “Business Ready 2025 Report”. “Some of the report’s assessment results, such as those for ‘international trade’,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338102/hong-kong-authorities-question-world-banks-unfair-business-ready-grades?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338102/hong-kong-authorities-question-world-banks-unfair-business-ready-grades?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 30 Dec 2025 04:18:07 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Olga Wong Lo Hoi-ying,Olga Wong Major Hong Kong developers are considering a blanket ban on smoking by workers at construction sites following a blaze in Tai Po that killed 159, with at least two companies already demanding all their contractors impose the rule or step up penalties. The Real Estate Developers Association told the Post on Friday that it was gathering views on the proposed smoking ban from its members, including major developers such as Sino Land, Swire Properties, Sun Hung Kai Properties and New World... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3335294/hong-kong-developers-push-blanket-smoking-ban-construction-sites-after-deadly-fire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3335294/hong-kong-developers-push-blanket-smoking-ban-construction-sites-after-deadly-fire?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Dec 2025 04:58:10 +0000 Olga Wong,Enoch Yiu Olga Wong,Enoch Yiu One of Europe’s most prominent fintech companies, UK-based digital bank Revolut, plans to set up operations in Hong Kong, the Post has learned, after executives met the city’s financial chief in London. The news emerged on Tuesday as Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po commenced his visit to the British capital, where he also met representatives from family offices across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Chan on Tuesday also attended a dinner hosted by Hong Kong’s Trade Development Council,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3334174/fintech-firm-revolut-plans-set-hong-kong-paul-chan-touts-citys-strengths-uk?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3334174/fintech-firm-revolut-plans-set-hong-kong-paul-chan-touts-citys-strengths-uk?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Nov 2025 04:12:47 +0000 Ng Kang-chung,Olga Wong Ng Kang-chung,Olga Wong An eight-year-old disabled boy has died after being found unconscious at a flat in Hong Kong early on Sunday, hours after being given Chinese medicine, prescription drugs and milk to ease a fever. The boy, believed to be a pupil at the Hong Chi Pinehill No 3 School in Tai Po, suffered from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, according to a police source. Officers were called to a flat at Fung Yat House at Sui Wo Court in Sha Tin at around 3.50am after the boy’s 16-year-old sister reported finding him... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3333826/8-year-old-boy-dies-after-being-found-unconscious-hong-kong-home-his-sister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3333826/8-year-old-boy-dies-after-being-found-unconscious-hong-kong-home-his-sister?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 02:31:56 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Olga Wong Elizabeth Cheung,Olga Wong The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has won the bid to run the city’s third medical school, with officials saying the institution stood out by presenting a clear strategic position and financial plan, among other factors. The eight-month race officially ended on Tuesday, when the government announced that HKUST had been recommended by the Task Group on the New Medical School after it assessed proposals submitted in March by the institution, Baptist University, and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3333198/hkust-operate-hong-kongs-third-medical-school-after-8-month-race-source?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3333198/hkust-operate-hong-kongs-third-medical-school-after-8-month-race-source?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:20:19 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong Hong Kong authorities could suspend the sales of commercial sites for a second year due to a lack of demand, the development minister has said, while rejecting the notion that the government was pressured by developers to shelve the Lantau reclamation plan. Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho made the prediction even as the city’s grade A office spaces saw a slight drop in vacancy rates between the second and third quarters. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced in February... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3330530/hong-kong-could-halt-commercial-land-sales-second-year-over-poor-demand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3330530/hong-kong-could-halt-commercial-land-sales-second-year-over-poor-demand?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:30:09 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong’s weather forecaster has said the No 3 warning signal will remain in force until at least noon on Sunday, with Typhoon Matmo expected to be closest to the city in the early hours. The Observatory raised the No 3 typhoon signal at 12.20pm on Saturday. “According to the present forecast, Matmo will be closest to Hong Kong in the small hours and Sunday... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327858/hong-kong-issue-t3-between-noon-and-2pm-saturday-matmo-nears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3327858/hong-kong-issue-t3-between-noon-and-2pm-saturday-matmo-nears?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:45:11 +0000 Olga Wong,Cannix Yau Olga Wong,Cannix Yau Hong Kong authorities have shelved a controversial proposal to build a HK$700 million (US$90 million) exhibition hall at a prime waterfront site to showcase major development projects, including the Northern Metropolis. The construction of the gallery on the Wan Chai North waterfront was announced in the 2023 policy address, and the budget was included in the government’s planned HK$30 billion financial application for the first-stage of the city’s innovation hub, known as the San Tin Technopole... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327583/hong-kong-shelves-hk700-million-infrastructure-gallery-proposal-after-backlash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3327583/hong-kong-shelves-hk700-million-infrastructure-gallery-proposal-after-backlash?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Oct 2025 03:46:14 +0000 Xinlu Liang,Olga Wong Xinlu Liang,Olga Wong A mainland Chinese drone manufacturer owned by a carmaking giant has revealed that it is eyeing Hong Kong as a future market for its flagship passenger-carrying flying car, as the city embarks on a new phase of developing its low-altitude economy. Aerofugia, a subsidiary of China’s second-largest carmaker, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, said that Hong Kong’s traffic congestion, high-density urban core, and scattered outlying islands were not just challenges but unique advantages positioning the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3326751/geely-drone-subsidiary-aerofugia-eyes-hong-kong-market-ae200-flying-car?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3326751/geely-drone-subsidiary-aerofugia-eyes-hong-kong-market-ae200-flying-car?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Sep 2025 02:30:09 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Emily Hung,Olga Wong Elizabeth Cheung,Emily Hung,Olga Wong Hong Kong authorities will seek to further limit young children’s use of mobile digital devices, including social media access, by updating the city’s guidelines as part of health initiatives set to be unveiled in Wednesday’s policy address, the Post has learned. The planned review of the guidelines comes amid tightening controls in some countries on minors’ device usage and the ongoing trend of Hong Kong children having the highest myopia incidence rates globally, alongside a notable increase... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3325627/hong-kong-seeks-limit-childrens-digital-device-use-amid-rising-myopia-rates?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3325627/hong-kong-seeks-limit-childrens-digital-device-use-amid-rising-myopia-rates?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:30:08 +0000 Vivian Au,Olga Wong Vivian Au,Olga Wong Hong Kong’s leader will exhaust all means, including leveraging legal, administrative and private sector efforts, to speed up development of the Northern Metropolis megaproject near the border with mainland China, the Post has learned. Measures being considered include setting up a company as a vehicle to attract industries more efficiently, adopting mainland construction standards and elevating the development’s decision-making process to a senior level, government sources have revealed ahead... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3325514/hong-kong-leader-use-all-possible-means-speed-northern-metropolis-work?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3325514/hong-kong-leader-use-all-possible-means-speed-northern-metropolis-work?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:30:16 +0000 Willa Wu,Olga Wong Willa Wu,Olga Wong Hong Kong’s leader will introduce a mechanism to hold senior civil servants accountable for their misconduct in his policy blueprint, targeting incidents such as a recent bottled water supply scandal, the Post has learned. But political observers have warned of a possible pushback from civil servants concerned about job security, while recommending the government implement gradual changes with robust investigative procedures. According to a government source, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu is... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3325437/hong-kongs-john-lee-tackle-civil-servant-accountability-policy-address?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3325437/hong-kongs-john-lee-tackle-civil-servant-accountability-policy-address?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Sep 2025 01:00:29 +0000 Emily Hung,Edith Lin,Olga Wong Emily Hung,Edith Lin,Olga Wong Hong Kong authorities are set to tighten controls on employers seeking to import labour under a scheme following complaints of local workers being replaced, with measures to be proposed in the city leader’s policy address, the Post has learned. Government sources said that authorities would roll out more public works projects to increase jobs in the construction sector, an area hit hard by a significant drop in private developments. With the unemployment rate climbing between May and July to a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3325403/hong-kong-tighten-controls-employers-seeking-import-labour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3325403/hong-kong-tighten-controls-employers-seeking-import-labour?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Sep 2025 02:30:08 +0000 Cannix Yau,Olga Wong Cannix Yau,Olga Wong Hong Kong’s leader will further increase the non-local undergraduate quota at public universities to a maximum of 50 per cent in next Wednesday’s policy address, while the number of places for local students will remain unchanged, the Post has learned. A source close to the matter said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu would announce an increase in the non-local student quota to no more than 50 per cent, emphasising that locals would not be affected as their annual 15,000 places would remain the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3325284/hong-kong-increase-non-local-student-quota-50-cent-local-numbers-unaffected?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3325284/hong-kong-increase-non-local-student-quota-50-cent-local-numbers-unaffected?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:29:44 +0000 Ambrose Li,Olga Wong Ambrose Li,Olga Wong Hong Kong’s leader aims to elevate the city into a “world-class high-end art trading hub” to rival New York under measures to be revealed in his fourth policy address next Wednesday, the Post has learned. Efforts to strengthen the city’s multibillion-dollar art trading industry would include boosting services in financing, insurance and professional training, and designating maintenance and storage spaces in a cultural hub and near the airport, a government source said. The move will align with... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3325252/hong-kong-aiming-become-top-art-trading-hub-rival-new-york-source?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3325252/hong-kong-aiming-become-top-art-trading-hub-rival-new-york-source?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Sep 2025 02:30:09 +0000 Ambrose Li,Olga Wong Ambrose Li,Olga Wong The age limit for private vehicles used for ride-hailing in Hong Kong will be relaxed from seven to 12 years to attract more part-time drivers under coming rules, the Post has learned, while a government source has said a proposed regulatory framework can address a recent rise in illegal services. A source said the legal framework proposed by transport authorities to regulate ride-hailing services was approved by the Executive Council, the city’s top decision-making body, in a special meeting on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3323583/hong-kong-relaxes-proposed-ride-hailing-vehicle-age-limit-attract-part-timers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3323583/hong-kong-relaxes-proposed-ride-hailing-vehicle-age-limit-attract-part-timers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:17:15 +0000 Olga Wong,Oscar Liu Olga Wong,Oscar Liu This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. The Hong Kong Observatory could issue a No 1 typhoon warning on Thursday morning, with the forecaster also expecting showers, thunderstorms and squalls that day. “The broad area of low pressure to the west of Luzon has entered the central and northern parts of the South China Sea and is... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3323291/hong-kong-may-issue-no-1-typhoon-warning-signal-between-wednesday-and-thursday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3323291/hong-kong-may-issue-no-1-typhoon-warning-signal-between-wednesday-and-thursday?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:41:06 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Hong Kong education authorities suspended all morning and whole-day classes on Monday due to squally thunderstorms, but the weather forecaster cancelled all rainstorm warnings less than two hours later. The Observatory issued a red rainstorm warning signal at 1.15am before lowering it to amber... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3322163/hong-kong-cancels-amber-rainstorm-warning-less-2-hours-after-class-suspensions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3322163/hong-kong-cancels-amber-rainstorm-warning-less-2-hours-after-class-suspensions?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:05:33 +0000 Olga Wong,Harvey Kong Olga Wong,Harvey Kong The body of a 38-year-old expatriate who went missing on Tuesday while canoeing in the sea off Sai Kung has been found, Hong Kong police have confirmed. The force received a report on Friday at 7.54am from a boater who saw a body floating in the water about 500 metres (1,640 feet) away from Sai Kung Public Pier. Police and firefighters retrieved the body from the water. The victim was confirmed to be a 38-year-old expatriate who went missing on Tuesday after renting a canoe in Sai Kung. He... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3321932/body-missing-canoeist-38-found-hong-kong-waters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3321932/body-missing-canoeist-38-found-hong-kong-waters?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:28:23 +0000 Olga Wong,Vivian Au Olga Wong,Vivian Au This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Hong Kong was hit by “exceptionally severe” downpours and flooding in several areas on Thursday, with the Observatory issuing the highest-level black rainstorm warning and authorities cancelling classes and some flights. The forecaster downgraded the black rainstorm signal it had raised at... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3321784/typhoon-podul-hong-kong-cancels-classes-after-red-rainstorm-warning-t1-still-force?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3321784/typhoon-podul-hong-kong-cancels-classes-after-red-rainstorm-warning-t1-still-force?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:28:09 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong Hong Kong residents aged 18 to 49 who have chronic illnesses can receive a subsidised flu jab later this year under health authorities’ plan to expand the city’s vaccination programme, the Post has learned. The new move would help to identify the city’s hidden population with chronic illnesses and provide them with stronger community healthcare support services, according to a government source on Friday. “Apart from encouraging more people to get vaccinated against the flu, the expansion will... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3321170/hongkongers-aged-18-49-chronic-illnesses-can-soon-receive-subsidised-flu-jabs?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3321170/hongkongers-aged-18-49-chronic-illnesses-can-soon-receive-subsidised-flu-jabs?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Aug 2025 03:51:22 +0000 Olga Wong,Harvey Kong Olga Wong,Harvey Kong This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the highest-level black rainstorm warning for a second time in a week on Saturday, with torrential downpours causing flooding in some areas of the city. The forecaster said an active southwesterly monsoon was bringing showers and thunderstorms to the coast of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3320518/hongkongers-warned-heavy-showers-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3320518/hongkongers-warned-heavy-showers-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-warning?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Aug 2025 00:51:11 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong A 23-year-old Hongkonger has been arrested for allegedly pushing a nine-year-old boy into the sea while the child was fishing with his mother in Hung Hom. Police said on Wednesday that the man, surnamed Wong, was apprehended in Kowloon City at 5.22pm on Tuesday, three days after the incident, on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. They added that the arrest was made after reviewing CCTV footage. Officers searching his flat also found the clothes he allegedly wore while... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3318374/hong-kong-police-arrest-man-suspicion-pushing-boy-9-sea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3318374/hong-kong-police-arrest-man-suspicion-pushing-boy-9-sea?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jul 2025 03:40:34 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong A 78-year-old Hong Kong man has died and three other people have been injured after a fire broke out in a public flat in Kwai Tsing district. Police said flames were first spotted in the flat at Lai King Estate’s Wo King House at around 5am on Monday. Wong Cheuk-kei, an assistant divisional officer of the Fire Services Department, said the elderly man was found dead on his bed by firefighters and had lived alone in the third-floor flat. Wong said the flat was “slightly cluttered”, but noted that... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3318071/1-dead-several-injured-after-fire-erupts-hong-kong-public-flat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3318071/1-dead-several-injured-after-fire-erupts-hong-kong-public-flat?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:28:44 +0000 Oscar Liu,Olga Wong,William Yiu,Lam Ka-sing Oscar Liu,Olga Wong,William Yiu,Lam Ka-sing This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Parents have expressed frustration and disappointment after Hong Kong education authorities announced that classes of all day schools would be suspended on Friday because of bad weather, affecting long-planned graduation ceremonies and farewell parties on the last day of term for many. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3317613/hong-kong-set-widespread-heavy-rain-thursday-and-friday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3317613/hong-kong-set-widespread-heavy-rain-thursday-and-friday?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Jul 2025 01:09:38 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. A No 1 typhoon warning will remain in force until noon on Sunday, the Hong Kong Observatory has said, adding that the likelihood of issuing a higher signal is “rather low”. The forecaster also issued a very hot weather warning at 6.45am, with temperatures in some districts expected to reach 35... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3317056/no-1-typhoon-signal-stay-effect-saturday-hot-weather-grips-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3317056/no-1-typhoon-signal-stay-effect-saturday-hot-weather-grips-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Jul 2025 01:26:44 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong A Hong Kong pet shop owner has been arrested for the alleged theft of 35 of his customers’ cats which he used to repay debts to a loan company, with the felines estimated to be valued at more than HK$623,000 (US$79,870), the Post has learned. The owner, surnamed Chan, 44, had a shop in Hung Hom, which also offered consignment and pet-sitting services, a source said on Thursday. The source said Chan took out a loan of HK$210,000 from a company in August last year. The firm demanded repayment on... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3316872/hong-kong-pet-shop-owner-arrested-alleged-theft-35-cats-repay-loan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3316872/hong-kong-pet-shop-owner-arrested-alleged-theft-35-cats-repay-loan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:22:08 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Hong Kong’s weather forecaster has issued the No 1 typhoon warning signal, as an area of low pressure over South China Sea intensifies into a tropical depression. The Hong Kong Observatory raised the signal at 2.20pm on Wednesday and said that unsettled weather would affect the city. The... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3315712/hong-kong-set-rain-squally-thunderstorms-thursday?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3315712/hong-kong-set-rain-squally-thunderstorms-thursday?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Jun 2025 01:11:23 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong Hong Kong will press on with building up its land bank but adopt a cautious stance on selling the sites, the finance chief has said, rejecting the notion the government is rushing to find and sell parcels to offset the budget deficit. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also said in a recent interview that the government would address plans to build artificial islands off Lantau waters “later”, despite calls from developers to halt the project immediately. “We will not stop [creating land]... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3315398/hong-kong-keep-expanding-land-bank-not-offset-deficit-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3315398/hong-kong-keep-expanding-land-bank-not-offset-deficit-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Jun 2025 02:00:16 +0000 Natalie Wong,William Zheng,Olga Wong,Willa Wu Natalie Wong,William Zheng,Olga Wong,Willa Wu Beijing’s point man overseeing Hong Kong affairs plans to meet university heads, visit outlying islands and inspect a megadevelopment project near the border with mainland China during a five-day visit to the city, the Post has learned. Confirming an earlier Post report, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, would arrive in the city on Wednesday to inspect its development and attend a key forum on Saturday to mark the fifth... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3314687/xia-baolong-kick-5-day-visit-hong-kong-wednesday-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3314687/xia-baolong-kick-5-day-visit-hong-kong-wednesday-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jun 2025 03:27:00 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Hong Kong’s weather forecaster has issued the No 3 typhoon warning signal, as strong winds from a severe tropical storm are intensifying. The Observatory raised the alert at 12.20pm on Saturday as Severe Tropical Storm Wutip entered within 800km (497 miles) of the city. It is expected to make... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3314422/severe-tropical-storm-wutip-hong-kong-issue-t3-signal-between-12pm-and-2pm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3314422/severe-tropical-storm-wutip-hong-kong-issue-t3-signal-between-12pm-and-2pm?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Jun 2025 00:47:42 +0000 Olga Wong,Oscar Liu,Danny Mok Olga Wong,Oscar Liu,Danny Mok This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. Hong Kong’s weather forecaster will issue the No 1 typhoon warning signal as early as Tuesday night, as an area of low pressure is expected to develop into a tropical cyclone and move towards the city amid sweltering heat. The Observatory said on Monday the tropical cyclone was expected to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3313582/hongkongers-swelter-coming-days-mercury-hit-34-degrees-celsius?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3313582/hongkongers-swelter-coming-days-mercury-hit-34-degrees-celsius?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Jun 2025 02:11:03 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong A taxi, a school bus and a minibus have collided on a Hong Kong highway near Kwai Chung, injuring nine passengers and causing traffic congestion. Police said on Thursday that the nine passengers, all in the minibus, sustained slight injuries and were sent to Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung for treatment. The force said it received a report of the traffic accident on the Kowloon-bound side of Tsuen Wan Road, near Kwai Chung Park, at around 8.14am. Part of the lanes of the highway were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3311312/3-vehicle-collision-hong-kong-highway-injures-9-causes-traffic-jam?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3311312/3-vehicle-collision-hong-kong-highway-injures-9-causes-traffic-jam?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 May 2025 03:46:25 +0000 Ambrose Li,Olga Wong Ambrose Li,Olga Wong Referring workers to labour authorities to claim unpaid wages is “irresponsible”, a lawmaker and a fellow unionist have said, slamming the owners of a three-decade-old Hong Kong congee restaurant chain that closed abruptly and left more than 100 employees in limbo. They also said ahead of a staff meeting on Friday that the government’s safety net might not fully cover the unpaid wages owed to workers of the Ocean Empire Food Shop chain. The Labour Department said more than 100 workers had sought... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3309673/irresponsible-hong-kong-congee-chain-slammed-asking-government-pay-workers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3309673/irresponsible-hong-kong-congee-chain-slammed-asking-government-pay-workers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 May 2025 04:33:09 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. New users who download our updated app get a seven-day free trial. The Hong Kong Observatory issued an amber rainstorm warning at lunchtime on Wednesday before cancelling it later in the afternoon. “A trough of low pressure is bringing showers and thunderstorms to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary persistently,” the forecaster said when it issued the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3309363/hong-kong-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-signal-warns-possible-floods?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3309363/hong-kong-observatory-issues-amber-rainstorm-signal-warns-possible-floods?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 May 2025 05:49:27 +0000 Harvey Kong,Denise Tsang,Olga Wong,Edith Lin Harvey Kong,Denise Tsang,Olga Wong,Edith Lin Hong Kong’s Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is searching for a replacement for its executive director ahead of her retirement, with the Post learning that the government prefers a candidate with a strong grasp of both geopolitical issues and commerce. According to an insider familiar with the hiring process, a selection committee headed by the financial secretary will be set up to pick the right candidate for the city’s trade promotion body, with incoming council chairman Frederick Ma Si-hang... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3308557/hong-kong-launches-search-new-trade-development-council-executive-director?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3308557/hong-kong-launches-search-new-trade-development-council-executive-director?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Apr 2025 10:40:04 +0000