Author: Jess Ma

Top Hong Kong government adviser Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee suggested Israelis move to Hong Kong for a safe place amid conflict with Hamas, sparking a response from the Israeli consulate. Ip made the call on X, sharing a Time magazine article highlighting the emotional toll on Israelis attempting to return home amidst unrest. “Consider Hong Kong for a safe place to raise your kids and live your lives,” she wrote. The Israeli consulate defended their country’s values and resilience, stating, “Our commitment to peace, security, and democratic values has made Israel prosperous.” They also wished Ip a happy new year…

Operators of critical infrastructure in Hong Kong will now have 12 hours to notify authorities of any serious security breaches, following a consultation exercise on a proposed law to enhance protection. The Security Bureau extended the time frame from the initial two hours proposed, citing practical difficulties and feedback from other jurisdictions. A spokesman addressed concerns over the powers of the commissioner’s office, assuring that device linking and program installations on operator systems would only occur in exceptional circumstances. The bureau received 53 submissions during the consultation period for the Protection of Critical Infrastructure (Computer System) Bill, concluding the exercise…

The relaunched cash-for-residency scheme in Hong Kong has attracted investors who view the program as a “stepping stone” for their business ventures or children’s education, according to immigrant consultants. The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was reintroduced in March with revised criteria, excluding real estate investments from the threshold amount. Over 500 applications totaling HK$15 billion have been received by the government, with 47 successful candidates each investing HK$30 million in the city. Willis Fu Yiu-wai, a senior immigration consultant, noted that investors see Hong Kong as a place for investment and a transit hub. The scheme offers a fast track…

The Debate Over Journalists’ Access to Vehicle Registration Database in Hong Kong The Hong Kong Journalists Association has raised concerns over the government’s revised policy regarding journalists’ access to a vehicle registration database. Senior Counsel Nigel Kat argued in a judicial review hearing that the current policy contradicts the rights of press professionals as enshrined in law. However, Senior Counsel Benjamin Yu Yuk-hoi defended the policy, stating that the commissioner for transport has a duty to protect personal data and act as a “gatekeeper” for the registry. Journalists are not entitled to access private information without a valid reason. Since…

Hong Kong’s police chief, Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee, has defended an officer’s decision to shoot an armed, mentally ill man, emphasizing the importance of following guidelines in such situations regardless of the individual’s mental condition.Siu responded to criticisms from the man’s widow, who deemed the officers’ actions against her husband, a psychiatric patient, as “unacceptable.”Reiterating that mentally ill individuals should not be labeled, Siu noted that the officer involved had followed internal guidelines on firearms use.Siu stated, “In this incident, no matter if the person has mental illness or not, we will still follow our relevant firearms and use of…

Scammers are posing as customer service representatives of popular platforms like WeChat, Taobao, and China Mobile to deceive victims into handing over personal information and money. Recent data from the police revealed that these scams have resulted in staggering losses totalling HK$238 million. One victim, a clerk in his fifties, fell prey to fraudsters posing as WeChat customer support and was tricked into paying HK$300,000 to cancel a fake insurance policy. Authorities are taking action to combat these scams, with Senior Superintendent Alice Tsang Nga-sze expressing a commitment to collaborating with various stakeholders to prevent further incidents. Tencent, the operator…

Tragedy struck in Hong Kong as a 42-year-old man drowned while swimming off Sai Kung with friends. The man, who was on a boat trip, got into trouble in the waters at Ung Kong Chau, Bluff Island. Despite calls for help, he tragically lost his life after being brought ashore and taken to the hospital by helicopter. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of water activities, with drowning cases accounting for a significant percentage of emergency calls. Reports show that Sai Kung district has seen a high number of such incidents, highlighting the importance of water safety.…

The Flying Tigers unit was established in 1974 after the Munich massacre during the Olympic Games. With about 30 members initially, they underwent training with the British SAS to enhance their skills. Over the years, they have adapted to changing terrorist threats and have improved their techniques and equipment. The unit is known for its rigorous selection process, including the infamous “hell week.” Members remain anonymous to protect their identities and the unit’s operations. Recent advancements in technology have increased their efficiency and mobility. The unit prides itself on its swift response to any threats in Hong Kong, ranging from…

In a surprising revelation, Hong Kong’s security chief affirmed that no protest applications have been denied since 2022. Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung attributed the decline in demonstrations not to a retreat of civil society, but to more effective channels for expressing opinions being available. Tang emphasized the government’s enhanced responsiveness to public opinion and highlighted the importance of dialogue over street protests. Despite the disbanding of major activist groups in recent years, Tang assured that residents still maintained the right to assemble under the law. He also mentioned that police had not amended the Public Order Ordinance governing…

Criminals targeting hillside houses in rural areas have prompted police to take action against burglaries using innovative methods. With a 9% increase in rural burglary cases reported in the first five months of the year, authorities are stepping up efforts to prevent further incidents. Police and rural patrol cadre officers use drones and police dogs in a burglar-busting exercise mounted in Sai Kung. Photo: May Tse To combat these crimes, police are utilizing drones to broadcast messages to deter criminal activity in specific hotspots. The recent joint exercise with rural patrol cadre, unmanned aircraft cadre, and police dogs in Sai…