Author: Ezra Cheung

Hong Kong’s efforts to combat feral pigeon infestation have yielded mixed results, with only a few residents aware of the ban on feeding wild birds. Despite banners warning against feeding pigeons, some areas remain hotspots for the birds. Residents noted a decrease in pigeon feeding, attributing it to clean-up campaigns and heightened awareness of environmental cleanliness. However, lawmakers and officials are divided on the ban’s effectiveness, with some suggesting the use of artificial intelligence to enforce regulations. The government has increased penalties for violating the ban, with maximum fines reaching HK$100,000 and the addition of one year in prison. Enforcement…

Tensions rise between Beijing, Hong Kong, and the United States as the US Consul General for Hong Kong and Macau, Gregory May, faces criticism for his comments on the “one country, two systems” principle. The Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry accused May of interfering in Hong Kong affairs and urged him to focus on promoting cooperation. In a recent interview, May highlighted the changes in Hong Kong since the anti-government protests in 2019, stating that freedoms have been restricted. The enforcement of the national security law has sparked controversy, with Hong Kong authorities condemning May’s remarks as unfounded. Despite…

Hong Kong is seeing a surge in companies planning to list in the city, with various national policies benefiting different economic sectors. Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted the city’s strong performance, including double-digit growth in merchandise exports and a GDP expansion of 2.7% in the first quarter, expected to climb up to 3.5% for the full year. However, challenges remain, including weak local spending and reduced spending by inbound mainland Chinese tourists. To address these issues, Chan emphasized the importance of understanding and embracing economic changes to capitalize on Hong Kong’s international status as a financial hub. During a visit…

Exciting news for tech enthusiasts in Hong Kong as the Town Planning Board has given the green light to the 600-hectare San Tin Technopole project near the border with mainland China. This infrastructural project aims to attract top tech firms to the city, boosting innovation and technology industries. Despite facing resistance during a public consultation, the board emphasized the need to fill fish ponds to provide land for I&T use, given the geographic constraints and clustering effects required for the project. Conditions, including a habitat creation plan, were set to balance development and conservation. The project, introduced by former Chief…

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Hong Kong has raised concerns over the dismissal of Selina Cheng by The Wall Street Journal and warned against punitive actions for advocating press freedom. Cheng, chairwoman of the city’s largest press union, was reportedly fired for assuming leadership of the Hong Kong Journalists Association. The club reached out to the American newspaper regarding Cheng’s termination, drawing parallels between her treatment and that of a reporter for the same outlet detained in Russia. They emphasized the importance of protecting reporters’ rights and press freedom in all settings. Cheng claimed her dismissal was a result of…

In a bizarre incident at the Futian port in Shenzhen, Chinese customs officers discovered over 100 live snakes hidden in a man’s trousers as he attempted to cross the border from Hong Kong. The snakes, of various species and colors, were concealed in drawstring bags in the man’s pockets. The seized snakes included five non-native species, with one being mildly venomous. Despite efforts to curb illegal wildlife trafficking, China remains a hotspot for such activities according to the Global Organized Crime Index. Introducing alien species without approval is strictly prohibited, with offenders facing criminal charges and heavy fines. Previous incidents…

In September, Hong Kong’s High Court will deliver a ruling on a judicial review case involving a government proposal to construct 12,000 public flats on a portion of the city’s oldest golf course. The Hong Kong Golf Club challenged an environmental impact assessment report last year, halting any decisions pending the outcome. The court adjourned the case until September 11 after a hearing. The club’s Senior Counsel argued that the Environmental Protection Department overlooked crucial assessments during public consultation. The case questions the department’s decision to conditionally approve the report, potentially exceeding its powers. The dispute revolves around conserving woodland,…

Despite criticism, the team behind a Hong Kong art exhibition featuring inflatable replicas of world-famous landmarks is pushing forward, even though the artist who inspired the works, Joann, called them “very ugly”. The exhibition, part of “SummerFest@Central”, includes landmarks like the Great Pyramid of Giza and Stonehenge, but some online users likened them to tombstones. Joann expressed disappointment that the exhibition was launched without her approval, while the organizers claimed she had previously approved the concept. Despite the controversy, the exhibition will continue as planned. The landmarks depicted include Stonehenge in England, the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt and…

Hong Kong police are on the lookout for two suspects involved in a knife attack on a 52-year-old man in Kowloon early Sunday morning. The victim, identified as Mr. Siu, suffered injuries to his nose and hands during the assault near Pau Chung Street in To Kwa Wan. Although a friend of Mr. Siu contacted the police around 1:30 am, the assailants had already fled by the time law enforcement arrived at the scene. The motive behind the attack remains unclear at this time. Investigators have cordoned off part of the street and a nearby recreation center after discovering blood…

Former director Alman Chan has responded to police accusations that funds were channeled from the Christian Zheng Sheng College’s parent association into personal accounts. Since January, Chan, along with two others, has been wanted by police for misappropriation of funds and fraud. In a letter, Chan denied any wrongdoing and claimed the funds were used to expand services beyond Hong Kong. Chan revealed financial data previously undisclosed, citing monthly expenses of at least HK$1.1 million. The freeze on bank accounts forced the college to suspend operations, prompting the government to consider reclaiming the campus. Despite these challenges, Chan emphasized the…