Author: Ng Kang-chung
Hong Kong’s finance chief, Paul Chan Mo-po, has praised the government’s decision to issue HK$50 billion in bonds for infrastructure projects, calling it a “win-win investment.” He also expressed support for similar initiatives by public bodies to raise funds, emphasizing the benefits of such endeavors. Chan highlighted the upcoming issuance of Silver Bonds, targeting investors aged 60 and above, with an annual interest rate of at least 4%. These bonds aim to provide elderly residents with a secure investment opportunity, offering stability and reliable returns. According to Chan, the bonds offer a low-risk investment choice for seniors, enabling them to…
Nearly 60% of Hongkongers show disinterest in politics, according to a recent survey by the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Only 3.4% of respondents share their political views frequently, while more than 80% rarely or never express their opinions on social issues to the government. The survey revealed that over half of the respondents believe that officials are indifferent to their views, posing a governance challenge. Political scientists are calling for increased engagement between officials, legislators, and the public to address this disconnect. Conducted by the university’s Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies, the phone survey interviewed 708 individuals to…
Overwhelming Response to Hong Kong’s “Light Public Housing” Scheme Almost 10,000 disadvantaged Hongkongers living in cramped or inadequate housing have applied for the government’s “light public housing” scheme, which offers 4,400 homes. Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho Wing-yin described the response as overwhelming, urging eligible residents to submit applications before the deadline on Monday. Successful applicants can expect to move into the homes in the first quarter of next year. The scheme, part of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s plan to build 30,000 light public housing flats by 2027-28, aims to improve living conditions for those in need. The first…
The Hong Kong government and Guangdong provincial government are collaborating to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including innovation, technology, healthcare, and environmental goals. With a focus on the Greater Bay Area project, the two sides aim to create a robust economic hub to rival Silicon Valley by 2035. During the 24th joint conference, key agreements were reached to deepen ties and foster mutual benefits. Hong Kong’s commitment to economic development and technological advancements align with Beijing’s vision for the region’s growth. The conference emphasized the importance of high-quality development and strategic positioning within the Greater Bay Area. Through collaboration and…
In a bid to develop Hong Kong into a regional IP trading center, the government is seeking to enhance the local copyright regime. The 52-page consultation document covers topics like copyright protection for AI-generated works and possible copyright exceptions. According to the consultation paper, the advent of AI technology necessitates a review of copyright laws while balancing the interests of both copyright owners and users. The paper proposes introducing exceptions to the ordinance to drive AI technology development and industry. However, concerns have been raised regarding the ambiguity of identifying works created by AI versus human authors. Alan Chiu Chi-wai,…
Eric Keung Siu-lun, a guide at Tai Po Geoheritage Centre, emphasizes the importance of protecting Devil’s Fist, a unique rock formation in Plover Cove Country Park. The rocks, formed 400 million years ago, are at risk due to weathering and erosion, exacerbated by tourists climbing and sitting on them for selfies. Keung suggests increased patrols, public education, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about preserving this natural wonder. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department plans to enhance warnings and regulations to deter destructive behavior within country parks and geoparks. Guidelines are readily available at visitor centers, urging visitors to…
A protest against government reforms has led to four elected members of Hong Kong’s Social Workers Registration Board resigning. The move comes amidst a bill aiming to overhaul the board and increase government influence. Legislator Tik Chi-yuen views the resignations as a response to the lack of public consultation and concerns over the board’s credibility. The proposed reform seeks to expand the board’s membership and empower it to deregister social workers for certain offenses. Despite the departures, Tik believes the board can still function effectively. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun’s criticisms of the board’s past actions have prompted…
In a quirky move, the Hong Kong Security Bureau introduced a new mascot in the form of a bear tasked with setting up an official account on Douyin, China’s popular video-sharing platform. The security minister, Chris Tang Ping-keung, along with his aides, showcased their acting skills in a humorous short film titled “Battle of Douyin.” The video quickly gained traction, attracting over 71,000 fans and 163,000 likes within a day of its launch. In the video, Tang emphasizes the importance of using extraordinary methods in extraordinary times, prompting his team to enlist the help of the Security Bear for the…
The majority of Hong Kong residents are in favor of legalizing online ride-hailing services, a survey conducted by the New Century Forum political group reveals. About 73.5 percent of respondents support a licensing system for regulating online ride-hailing. The survey also showed that nearly 76 percent believe legalizing online booking for companies like Uber would boost competition and enhance service quality. On the other hand, complaints against traditional taxi services have been rising, with 274 complaints in the last quarter of 2023. To address this issue, the government is introducing a new taxi fleet regime to improve service quality. The…
Hong Kong and China Gas Company announced an increase in tariffs due to rising operational expenses and a labour shortage. About half of commercial and industrial customers are expected to pay less than HK$330 extra per month. The company cited a need for substantial capital investment to maintain safe and reliable services and supply gas to newly developed areas. They also mentioned that some 43,000 families will be spared from the increase under concession schemes. Towngas plans to raise its basic tariff by 1.3 HK cents per megajoule from August 1, equivalent to a 4.2% increase in the average effective…