109 stories found
A Greenpeace study reveals that 78% of low-income elderly residents in Hong Kong have experienced heat-related distress due to extreme temperatures. This highlights the significant impact of heat on vulnerable populations in the city.
Hong Kong customs officials have arrested two staff members from Opatra following complaints of aggressive sales tactics used to pressure customers into making large beauty product purchases. The arrests highlight concerns over consumer protection in the beauty industry.
A new series explores why Hongkongers, particularly younger residents, are increasingly using supplements to boost energy, immunity, and performance, despite expert warnings about potential excesses.
A survey exploring self-criticism among Hong Kong's youth revealed that nearly 70 percent of Gen Z in the city retouch photos of themselves before posting on social media, and about half rate their well-being below the international standard.
Typhoon Dolphin has caused widespread disruption in Okinawa, shutting down the main airport and leading to depleted supplies and potential power cuts, leaving Hong Kong holidaymakers stranded.
Google has introduced Gemini Spark, a 24/7 personal AI agent, to the Indian market, expanding its artificial intelligence offerings in the region.
Typhoon Noul made landfall in southern China, bringing torrential rains and strong winds, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people in China and Hong Kong. The typhoon caused minor damage in Hong Kong and raised concerns about widespread flooding in the region.
Following two traffic accidents involving Hong Kong residents in Japan, experts are advising travellers to be mindful of driving fatigue, unfamiliar road signs, and insurance coverage.
Some Hongkongers are choosing a six-hour high-speed train journey to Zhangjiajie in Hunan province for holidays, finding it a suitable option for traveling with elderly family members.
Hong Kong marked the July 1 anniversary with a flag-raising ceremony and citywide deals and discounts, which residents enthusiastically embraced. The celebrations included various freebies and special offers across the city.
The Chinese embassy in the UK has urged the British government to cease its 'slander and suppression' after a court sentenced two individuals linked to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London to up to 10 years in prison for spying on activists.
With a gloomy economic outlook and numerous restaurant closures, many Hongkongers, including experienced drivers, are increasingly considering becoming private driving instructors as a new career path.
Travel agencies report an increasing number of Hongkongers are choosing Central Asia for holidays, attributing the trend to the region's mystique and deepening business ties with mainland China.
China successfully launched a crewed space flight as part of its lunar ambitions, with a Hong Kong police officer-turned-astronaut among the crew. The astronauts have since arrived at the space station, marking a 'complete success' for the mission.
Two Hong Kong tourists were killed and two others injured in a car crash in New Zealand. The incident has prompted advice for Hongkongers on staying safe during self-drive trips abroad.
Long lines stretching across several blocks have formed in Hong Kong as shoppers turned up days ahead of the launch of the “Royal Pop” pocket watches – a collaboration between luxury watchmaker…
Hong Kong authorities plan to negotiate with care home operators in Guangdong province to secure additional places for elderly Hongkongers, addressing rising demand for senior care.
Amid waning desire to buy homes due to high prices, there are renewed calls to allow young families in Hong Kong to use part of their mandatory pension savings (MPF) to purchase property.
The 'Golden Week' holiday has led to a significant increase in tourism and activity across Hong Kong, with thousands of mainland visitors arriving. This period also saw Hongkongers traveling to Shenzhen for dining and attractions, driving optimism for local eateries.
Hongkongers are increasingly visiting Shenzhen for short cultural getaways, attracted by value, space, and style, with many planning repeat visits.
With various Hong Kong industries battered by the world’s highest petrol and diesel prices, economists and business leaders predict the oil crisis caused by the Middle East war will trigger a wave of…
Hong Kong's food and beverage sector experienced a significant downturn during the Easter break, as official statistics show approximately 28% of the city's population, over 2 million people, departed.
The United Arab Emirates has condemned 'disturbances, acts of vandalism, and attacks' that occurred outside its diplomatic mission and the residence of its head of mission in Damascus, Syria.
Hong Kong is set to see abnormally high temperatures in 2026, the Observatory has said.
High-speed rail tickets from Hong Kong to mainland Chinese destinations are nearly sold out for the upcoming Easter and Ching Ming Festival holidays, as Hongkongers opt for short-haul trips.
The UK government has clarified that new, stricter English language requirements for immigrants will not apply to Hongkongers applying through the British National (Overseas) visa pathway.
Demand for some regional holiday destinations among Hong Kong travellers has jumped by as much as 30 per cent ahead of Easter, as locals seek to avoid long-haul trips amid rising airfares and disrupted routes caused by the ongoing war in Iran, according to industry players. Travel agencies said the number of inquiries for trips to Japan, South Korea, mainland China and Australia had risen by between 10 and 30 per cent since the war escalated, while demand for destinations linked to the Middle...
US says its firepower will ‘surge dramatically’ and IDF warns of ‘surprises ahead’, as Iran launches retaliatory strikes Middle East crisis – live updates Israel and the US have bombarded Iran and…
Destroying a fridge with a baseball bat or smashing glass bottles against a wall would normally be considered signs of hooliganism or problematic anger issues in Hong Kong. But tucked away in an industrial building in Kowloon Bay district, Smashroom HK is providing residents with exactly that opportunity, and the founders have said it is a way for people to deal with the stress of their daily lives. “I believe the pressure on Hongkongers is much greater here [than elsewhere],” said Leung Ka-l...
Hong Kong travellers rejoiced on Wednesday evening after arriving home safely on the first flight from Dubai to the city since US-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted global air links. Emirates flight EK380 was the first to arrive after Dubai’s two airports resumed “limited” operations two days ago, landing at around 9.50pm. Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport were both closed on Saturday after the conflict broke out, with Iran retaliating by targeting US military ba...
Hongkongers may begin to feel the impact of the escalating war in the Middle East in the coming months, as rising global oil prices are expected to push up energy bills and dining costs, according to experts. Analysts said the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, and subsequent retaliation across the region, were also likely to slow the pace of US interest rate cuts and curb the rise in Hong Kong housing prices. As military operations in the Middle East entered their fourth day,...
Some Hongkongers stranded in the Middle East amid a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran have called for greater help from the Chinese embassy and Hong Kong government, as others considered travelling by…
Nearly 670 Hongkongers have been granted settlement in the United Kingdom under its bespoke BN(O) visa pathway, although the total number of applicants has fallen short of the British government’s lowest “core” estimate five years after its launch. While tens of thousands of Hongkongers are set to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain, or settled status, this year, experts suggested that uncertainties over the UK’s long-term settlement of migrants could deter future applications. The UK...
Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po is set to deliver the city's annual budget, with expectations for measures to accelerate economic recovery and introduce more 'sweeteners' for the public.
Hong Kong authorities have contacted the Japanese consulate in response to a Hong Kong resident being attacked with a beer bottle in Sapporo, urging better protection for tourists.
Hongkongers made nearly 1.4 million outbound trips in the three days leading up to Lunar New Year's Eve, marking a significant 21.6 percent increase from the previous year. This surge indicates a strong desire for travel during the holiday period.
Vietnam's busiest airports anticipate record passenger volumes during the Lunar New Year, with Vietnam, mainland China, and other Asian countries emerging as popular destinations for Hongkongers.
Fast fashion retailer Shein is preparing for an initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with an estimated valuation of $27 billion. This IPO comes after a significant decrease in the company's value from its peak.
Groups of patriotic Hongkongers held anti-Japan demonstrations outside the Japanese consulate on the 81st anniversary of Japan's World War II surrender.
Hong Kong's privacy watchdog has advised residents to exercise extreme caution with personal data, reporting a 62% increase in privacy complaints year-on-year, particularly in the age of AI.
A five-part wellness series in Hong Kong explores how residents are preparing for death through living funerals, advance directives, and family mediation, as experts highlight low death literacy.
There are growing concerns that Hong Kong's new national security framework may increasingly discourage or eventually forbid students from pursuing education abroad, with early signs already noted by observers.
Taiwan has expressed support for Kumamoto following an earthquake, while Hongkongers in the affected Japanese city are offering assistance to fellow travelers. These actions highlight international solidarity and mutual aid in the wake of the natural disaster.
China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is increasingly attracting tourists from Hong Kong, driven by travel sector promotions. A 16-year-old student, Angel Lau Yin-kwan, is among those visiting to learn more about the region.
Hong Kong's new pet-friendly dining initiative has faced significant public backlash, prompting lawmakers to demand stricter vetting for restaurant licenses.
Two People's Liberation Army warships concluded a high-profile five-day port call in Hong Kong, departing on Monday morning after a ceremony at the naval base.
A new survey indicates that while 90% of Hongkongers aim for self-sufficiency in old age, they anticipate needing 14 years of care dependency and 17 years of financial dependence, among the highest figures in Asia.
Two former police officers were sentenced to significant prison terms in London for spying on Chinese dissidents on behalf of Chinese intelligence. The convictions highlight concerns over foreign espionage activities within the UK.
A charity movie screening of 'We’re Nothing At All' was held in Hong Kong by SideBySide, a non-profit organization, to encourage Hongkongers to avoid collective apathy.
Hong Kong has surpassed Switzerland to become the world's largest cross-border wealth management hub, according to a BCG report. This shift signifies a major development in global financial markets.
China has launched the Shenzhou-23 manned space mission, which includes the first astronaut from Hong Kong. The astronaut will gather data using an observatory created by local Hong Kong teams.
Hundreds of Hongkongers queued at Edinburgh Tower in Central to engage with the market regulator, which is taking on a 'collection agent' role for wronged investors.
Instructure, the parent company of the educational platform Canvas, reached an agreement with a hacking group and paid them to delete stolen student data following a recent breach. The company confirmed that the compromised data was subsequently destroyed.
Hong Kong health authorities have decided to subsidize a leukaemia drug, significantly reducing the annual cost for over 400 cancer patients from up to HK$500,000 to just HK$240.
Hongkongers are forming long queues at betting stations for a chance to win a share of the HK$228 million (US$29.1 million) snowball draw, the city’s largest Mark Six jackpot.
The latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index reveals that press freedom worldwide has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years. Several countries, including Georgia, Albania, Latvia, and Finland, experienced significant drops in their rankings, highlighting increasing threats to media independence.
Over 600 elderly individuals in Hong Kong, aged 60 and above, have defaulted on their student loans from government financial assistance schemes, owing an average of HK$17,400 each.
Asian markets and global financial instruments are experiencing volatility due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on oil supply and energy security, leading governments to prioritize the stable supply of essential raw materials and products, and causing economic pain for consumers and businesses in regions like Hong Kong.
Amid an ageing population, the Covid pandemic, mass emigration, and the Tai Po fire have made Hongkongers more willing to discuss death and funeral wishes, according to a death education advocate.
Thousands of Hongkongers crossed the border into Shenzhen on the second day of the Easter holiday, braving heavy rain to enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment options at bargain prices.
Hong Kong authorities will launch advertisments and a transport guide to help elderly residents adapt to the revised HK$2 (26 US cents) transport fare scheme coming into effect next Friday, according…
Hong Kong residents in the UAE, planning to leave due to conflict, are urging a reconsideration of Hong Kong's 120-day pet quarantine, which is causing them to consider other destinations.
Hong Kong authorities have raided three illegal fueling stations, arresting two men and seizing over 1,800 liters of petrol with an estimated market value of HK$54,000 amid rising oil prices.
A 20-year-old student in Hong Kong, Joe, is among many Hongkongers seeking emotional support from AI chatbots for issues like dating advice, family relationships, and stress management.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po delivered a budget speech emphasizing the city's role in national economic development and innovation.
The Hong Kong government has filed civil lawsuits against 16 residents who allegedly refused to leave their homes in a neighborhood slated for a HK$15 billion redevelopment project.
Fewer Hongkongers withdrew funds from the city’s mandatory pension plan in the fourth quarter of last year, as a stock market rally prompted more members to leave their investments in place even when…
More than 400 Hongkongers have reported being stranded in the Middle East after major airspace closures triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted dozens of flights between the city and the…
This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hongkongers should brace for cooler and rainy weather on…
Hong Kong's decision to end tax breaks for private electric vehicles has led to a surge in showroom visits, with some residents even selling their eligibility for the incentive scheme.
Hong Kong residents formed long queues at betting branches to purchase tickets for a record-breaking HK$200 million Mark Six lottery draw.
Hong Kong’s hotels and tourist-area restaurants reported robust business during the Lunar New Year holiday, even as a surge in outbound travel by residents underscored the city’s increasingly visitor-driven festival economy. An industry leader said the city had also seen more mainland tourists partly because of ongoing diplomatic tensions between China and Japan. Hongkongers were able to enjoy a nine-day holiday this year by taking two days of annual leave on February 16 and 20 on either side of...
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has called on citizens to approach the Year of the Horse with agility and steadiness to capitalize on opportunities and overcome obstacles.
A wellness series in Hong Kong explores how residents are adopting digital detox practices, as experts warn about the links between excessive screen use and mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Hongkongers are increasingly adopting new lifestyle obsessions, including rigorous exercise routines, dietary supplements, and digital detoxing, as part of a broader trend towards health and wellness.
Record-breaking rainfall in Japan has resulted in at least eight deaths and left thousands of travelers stranded, particularly at Narita Airport. The severe weather has also caused flooding in other parts of Asia, including Metro Manila and eastern China.
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, stated that the Northern Metropolis project will offer new housing opportunities for young people and foster a globally recognized cultural sector.
Shenzhen's latest museums, featuring dinosaur fossils, rare meteorites, and French Impressionist art, are increasingly drawing residents from Hong Kong, shifting cross-border spending towards cultural tourism.
President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, with discussions primarily focused on Iran and regional security. This marked their first meeting since the start of the conflict with Iran.
Data from UnionPay International shows that Hong Kong consumers are increasingly shopping across the border in mainland China. This trend is driven by lower prices and wider adoption of digital payments.
A survey reveals that residents of Hong Kong are spending a record average of HK$2,062 per month on their pet cats, driven by a growing 'cat silver economy'.
Hongkongers crossed the border to mainland China for the July 1 public holiday, seeking more dining, shopping, and family leisure options.
Iran announced its intention to lodge a formal complaint with FIFA regarding travel restrictions imposed by the United States during the World Cup. The complaint focuses on the treatment of Iranian fans and officials traveling to the tournament.
Hong Kong's first astronaut is expected to communicate with city residents from the Tiangong space station within the next two months, according to the technology minister. This event marks a significant interaction between the astronaut and the public.
Hong Kong families in the United Kingdom and Canada are exploring Spain as an alternative destination due to uncertainty from changing immigration policies and rising living costs in their current host countries.
Western Europe is experiencing an unprecedented spring heatwave, with record temperatures in hundreds of French cities and 'tropical nights' in Spain. The heatwave has been linked to at least seven deaths in France and is threatening more climate records.
Almost 10,000 Hongkongers have been granted permanent residence in the UK through the British National (Overseas) scheme, launched in January 2021, making them eligible for citizenship next year.
Hong Kong authorities have released the list of official public holidays for 2027, allowing residents to plan extended breaks, including an 11-day holiday over Easter and Ching Ming with just four days of leave.
Mother's Day was observed across various countries with leaders, public figures, and citizens offering tributes and messages of appreciation to mothers. The day also prompted reflections on the role of women, historical context, and social issues related to motherhood.
A new survey by the Hong Kong Family Welfare Society reveals that one in five people in Hong Kong feels lonely, with approximately 520,000 individuals self-isolating and unwilling to confide in others or even AI chatbots.
An existing travel scheme is being expanded to allow more Hong Kong permanent residents to drive to Macau for various purposes, including work, tourism, and business, utilizing the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
The eastern section of Hong Kong’s new Fanling Bypass is set to be commissioned on May 3, marking the completion of the first major transport infrastructure project under the Northern Metropolis mega development and promising reduced travel times.
A survey indicates that only 23% of Hongkongers desire to have children, with the majority citing economic pressure as the primary obstacle.
Hong Kong's cinema box office takings more than doubled over the Easter holiday, reaching HK$25.93 million (US$3.31 million) in the first four days. This surge occurred despite a net outflow of Hongkongers during the same period.
The independent committee investigating Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades, the Tai Po inferno, concluded its first round of hearings, highlighting human and systemic errors.
More Hongkongers opted for tours to mainland China during the Easter holiday, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupted air travel, according to an industry leader.
A former leader of a now-dissolved Tiananmen vigil group has testified in court that their published writings were intended to expose Hongkongers to democratic movements in mainland China, not to incite subversion. This testimony comes as a Hong Kong barrister and activist, Chow Hang-tung, is also on trial for allegedly inciting subversion, criticizing Beijing for undermining the nation's constitutional order.
I have sympathy for people who rely on fuel for their living. Truckers, cabbies and drivers have all had their costs increased because of the hateful and unnecessary war in Iran. Hong Kong lawmakers…
Google is gradually making its Gemini Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot available to all users in Hong Kong, with a mobile app to follow, after years of restricted access in the region.
A survey by an advocacy group found that nearly 90 per cent of Hong Kong smokers cannot distinguish smuggled cigarettes from duty-paid ones under the government’s proposed plain packaging, raising concerns about efforts to detect illicit tobacco.
Relief, joy as first flight back from Dubai brings stranded Hongkongers home The Star
Get the latest updates on the Middle East war, including explosions in Tehran, Iranian missile launches at Israel, and strikes on Hezbollah strongholds. Read More: https://punchng.com/us-israel-iran-war-latest-developments-in-the-middle-east/
Some Hong Kong residents stranded in the Middle East amid the US-Israeli attack on Iran have voiced frustration over repeated flight cancellations, rising hotel costs and dwindling phone data as they navigate rapidly changing emergency policies. As of Tuesday, at least 585 stranded Hong Kong residents had filed inquiries, including requests for information about itineraries and flight schedules, according to the Immigration Department. Four have since left the region. Data from aviation...
Airlines are cautiously resuming limited flights to the Middle East to evacuate thousands stranded by escalating Gulf conflict.
Hong Kong’s financial chief has defended his latest budget against public criticism over the lack of sweeteners, stressing that the government must balance its finances with long-term investments for the city’s benefit. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Thursday he would brief credit-rating agencies and the International Monetary Fund next month on his budget, including the proposed HK$150 billion (US$19.2 billion) transfer from the Exchange Fund to support infrastructure projects. ...
Hongkongers made over 1.4 million outbound trips during the Lunar New Year holiday, marking a 20% increase from 2019.
Artificial intelligence is unlikely to replace traditional feng shui masters in Hong Kong despite a growing trend of people using chatbots for fortune-telling.
Hongkongers packed the airport and cross-border railway station on Saturday, with many opting to take a nine-day Lunar New Year break to destinations across the rest of Asia, as mainland Chinese visitors entered the city. Travellers, including families with children and elderly relatives, gathered at check-in counters at Hong Kong International Airport in the morning as the city marked Valentine’s Day and prepared to ring in the Year of the Horse. Long queues of hundreds of travellers could be...