Author: Jess Ma
Schools are being encouraged to prioritize students’ well-being by avoiding scheduling tests immediately after long holidays like Christmas and Easter. Instead, they should focus on providing self-learning tasks and activities to give students more rest and relaxation time. Reducing the frequency of exams and exploring alternative assessment methods is also recommended, particularly for younger students. This shift aims to alleviate exam stress and foster a healthier learning environment. The initiative has been well-received, with schools like Fung Kai No 1 Primary School in Sheung Shui successfully implementing fewer exams and tutorial sessions to support students’ learning needs. In addition, efforts…
Shoplifting is on the rise in Hong Kong, with 3,678 cases reported from January to May, including 135 repeat offenders, marking an 11.9% increase from the previous year. Among the arrested individuals, many were found to not have financial issues driving their actions. Ip Chi-wai, a social worker, shared the story of a lonely housewife who shoplifted out of stress and loneliness, highlighting the complexities behind such actions. The largest theft recorded was HK$132,145 worth of wine, leading to a six-month imprisonment. Seasonal trends also influence theft patterns, with wine and chocolates popular during holidays and ice cream and fruit…
This week, tensions between Beijing and the US consulate in Hong Kong escalated as the consulate was accused of “slandering” the local state of democracy. The local commissioner’s office of the foreign ministry condemned the consulate for suggesting that a recent United Nations review showed China violating human rights in the city, stating that local residents were best positioned to comment on human rights and democracy. The dispute arose after the US consulate in Hong Kong highlighted the UN Human Rights Council’s review, which criticized Beijing’s actions in the city. The review report raised concerns about violations of Hong Kong’s…
A 67-year-old man was arrested for attacking his 65-year-old wife with a hammer in a stairwell in their Hong Kong residential building before attempting to slit his own throat. The incident took place at Kornhill Garden in Quarry Bay, where a security guard alerted the police during the assault. The man was apprehended on suspicion of wounding, and both the husband and wife were taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment. The couple, married for 40 years but living separately, had recently tried to reconcile. However, the motive behind the attack remains under investigation. The man left the…
Former Hong Kong justice chief Teresa Cheng believes that despite recent challenges in the legal sector, Hong Kong remains a strategic base for international businesses, especially with its strong connection to mainland China. She highlighted the city’s international perspective and judicial independence as key factors for lucrative business deals. While some foreign law firms have reduced their presence in Hong Kong, Cheng emphasized the city’s enduring appeal to potential international clients. She also dismissed the idea of a rivalry with Singapore in the arbitration sector, citing Hong Kong’s unique advantages and connections. With the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre handling…
Hong Kong’s talent schemes are attracting foreign passport holders, with one in four approved applicants holding a foreign passport, according to Labour Chief Chris Sun Yuk-han. This diversity highlights the city’s appeal to global talent. Sun emphasized the importance of looking beyond nationalities and focusing on skills. He assured lawmakers that stringent measures were in place to prevent fraudulent cases from gaining visas and highlighted the need for applicants to contribute to Hong Kong’s economy. Concerns were raised about the extension of visas for top talent holders who fail to secure a job. Sun clarified that applicants must demonstrate business…
A chance encounter at a drawing class for singles led to a lasting relationship between Amanda Wong and Keith Lun. They connected through online chatting, moved in together, and have been together for two years now. This heartwarming story reflects the potential of matchmaking events to bring people together. While the government in Hong Kong considers organizing events to encourage young people to marry sooner, private operators like Raymond Lam of Feijai Sketches are already offering interest-based matchmaking classes. These events, ranging from painting to camping, provide a laid-back environment for singles to meet potential partners. Lam noted that his…
The vice-chairman of Hong Kong’s premier cultural hub remains optimistic about striking a deal with the government to avoid a financial crisis. Bernard Chan of the West Kowloon District Authority acknowledged the anticipated losses of cultural institutions but assured that ongoing discussions with the government were favorable. He emphasized the importance of the art hub and hinted at potential conditions for the deal. Chan’s remarks came during a media briefing that introduced the arts hub to local and mainland Chinese press as part of a campaign to highlight the Greater Bay Area development plan. The authority is waiting for the…
Hong Kong’s finance minister, Paul Chan Mo-po, acknowledges the potential drop in US investment due to looming sanctions but remains optimistic about the city’s ability to attract international talent and businesses. Despite geopolitical tensions, Chan insists that US investors are still interested in the Greater Bay Area’s growth potential. Chan recently led a delegation to France and California to promote investment opportunities in the bay area, emphasizing Hong Kong’s financial services and international connectivity. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Algernon Yau Ying-wah, echoes this sentiment by highlighting the positive views foreign businesses hold about Hong Kong. Yau reveals that…
In a recent briefing, Chief Executive John Lee addressed concerns over challenges to Hong Kong’s legal system from external forces, criticizing attempts to pressure judicial officials with sanctions. Lee defended the city’s judicial decisions as open and honorable amid criticisms from departing British judge Jonathan Sumption, who accused Hong Kong of veering towards a totalitarian state. Despite these challenges, Lee highlighted Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center, boasting a robust financial infrastructure that includes a vibrant insurance industry and an active bond market. However, he acknowledged the impact of international politics on the city’s financial stability, with some…