Author: Oscar Liu
Oscar Liu is a journalist working for the South China Morning Post (SCMP) as of 2022. He's experienced in local Hong Kong news, as well as international affairs, having worked for a diverse news media outlets.
A Japanese diplomat is urging Hong Kong to lift the 13-month-long import ban on aquatic products from 10 prefectures. Kenichi Okada, the country’s consul general, made the appeal after Beijing hinted at easing its own restrictions. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu called for access to scientific data before considering any changes to the ban. Hong Kong currently prohibits aquatic products from 10 Japanese prefectures, including Tokyo and Fukushima. The Centre for Food Safety has increased radiation inspections on other Japanese seafood imports. Okada at the Japan Autumn Festival emphasized Hong Kong’s importance as a global destination for Japanese aquatic products.…
Drone shows have become a popular trend for celebrations in Hong Kong, with industry leaders calling for more creative content and government support to enhance the experience for locals and tourists. Various locations across the city, including Tai Po, Wong Tai Sin, Wan Chai, and Chai Wan, had lined up drone performances ahead of National Day, although some were cancelled due to rainy weather.The upcoming National Day celebration on October 1 will feature a spectacular combination of a drone show and a HK$18 million fireworks display over Victoria Harbour, a first for the event. Lam Shu-kam, founder of AllRightsReserved, highlighted…
The government in Hong Kong is considering stricter regulations for ride-hailing services, such as Uber, to address concerns about drivers offering services without proper permits. Despite the popularity of ride-hailing services, Minister Lam emphasized the need for platforms to meet basic requirements and conditions to operate in the city. He also highlighted the ongoing judicial review related to hire-car permits, which could impact the regulatory framework. As part of efforts to improve transportation services, the government plans to issue permits for new premium taxi fleets, aiming to launch a game-changing model for the industry. These premium taxi fleets will be…
Exciting news for Hong Kong commuters – Singapore-based ride-hailing platform TADA is set to break into the market by the end of the year, offering zero-commission services. With a focus on customer satisfaction and driver well-being, TADA aims to provide a reliable and efficient transportation solution in the bustling Asian metropolis. CEO Sean Kim expressed enthusiasm for the Hong Kong government’s plans to regulate the ride-hailing industry, emphasizing the importance of a well-managed regulatory environment for industry growth. TADA’s commitment to collaborative partnerships with policymakers and key partners highlights their dedication to addressing concerns and providing a seamless experience for…
The Hong Kong government is being urged to collaborate with technology companies and secure sites to initiate drone trial programmes in order to boost the development of a “low-altitude economy”. According to experts, this move could help remove barriers and stimulate growth in the industry. Eric Yeung Chuen-sing, founder of the Smart City Consortium, emphasized the importance of a market-oriented approach and suggested that the government should facilitate private companies to lead the development, similar to the successful model in Shenzhen. Noting the advancements in low-altitude logistics in Shenzhen, where a helicopter service is set to launch, experts believe Hong…
Exciting news for book lovers and families in Hong Kong! The upcoming book fair, one of the government’s mega events, is set to combine two concurrent events under one ticket, making it a must-attend for families from the Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asia. With the bay area emerging as a significant economic zone, the fair aims to attract more residents to Hong Kong, showcasing the city’s MTR connectivity and family-oriented activities. The event will feature over 600 seminars and cultural activities, including appearances by renowned writers and movie directors. Attendees can also look forward to AI-created scenes from classic…
The debate on female reproductive age limitations in Hong Kong has sparked controversy, with lawmaker Nixie Lam Lam expressing her dismay over comments made by Lo, citing them as a blow to women. Lam, who used reproductive technology for assisted reproduction, emphasized that not everyone can start a family early due to various circumstances. With the city facing an “alarming” number of childless couples and a record low birth rate, Lam urged the government to improve assisted reproductive services, including extending storage periods for eggs and providing subsidies for those using reproductive technologies. Lo highlighted the decline in reproductive capability…
Hong Kong is focusing on economic development and attracting foreign investment amidst challenges in perception that have slowed its post-Covid recovery. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar dismissed concerns about doing business in Hong Kong, expressing faith in the city’s capabilities. Hong Kong has raised US$3 billion through sukuk bonds to attract investors from Muslim countries, reflecting its commitment to Islamic finance principles. Anwar emphasized the potential for collaboration in services and finance between Malaysia and Hong Kong. Anwar is in talks with China and Hong Kong to foster a conducive environment for tech start-ups, leveraging each other’s strengths. He also highlighted…
Hong Kong is planning for a new East Kowloon railway line, with a proposed budget of over HK$262 million for planning and design. The project includes a 7km “smart and green mass transit system” with a tunnel and eight stations, connecting Choi Hung East and Yau Tong East to improve commuting for residents. The plan also involves building pedestrian linkages, a depot at Ma Yau Tong station, and a tunnel section in Lam Tin North. The goal is to complete the project by 2033, addressing the increasing pressure on transport links due to population growth and housing developments in the…
Hong Kong’s residential property market saw a surge in transactions in March and April, averaging 6,300 per month, exceeding the figures from previous years. Housing prices also increased by 2% during this period, according to Finance Chief Paul Chan. Despite the rise in property transactions, Chan rejected the proposal to include residential properties in the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which requires a minimum investment of HK$30 million in non-residential assets for residency status. Chan emphasized the importance of distinguishing between investment and residential properties due to the market’s sensitivity to supply and demand. He disclosed that over 200 applications…