https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/17/feed All the latest comment, focus, and opinion behind the big news stories in Hong Kong, China & around the world en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The first holiday test of the revamped Huanggang Port demands a thorough review. The newly opened checkpoint was meant to showcase Hong Kong’s readiness for deeper integration with the Greater Bay Area under the latest national drive. Instead, its first major holiday rush showed that a modern building is no guarantee of travel convenience. The authorities must urgently review what went wrong, fix the weaknesses and ensure the facility delivers the seamless cross-border travel that was... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371625/holiday-rush-huanggang-port-should-catalyse-improvement https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371625/holiday-rush-huanggang-port-should-catalyse-improvement Wed, 21 Oct 2026 23:15:06 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial China’s economy has delivered a welcome, if qualified, surprise. Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.5 per cent in the third quarter, up from 4.3 per cent in the second. The figure beat the 4.4 per cent consensus of economists surveyed by Wind and lifted growth for the first nine months to 4.6 per cent, within Beijing’s full-year target range of 4.5 to 5 per cent. Besides the latest quarterly GDP figure, the revival of factory-gate prices is worth noting. The producer price index returned to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371483/chinas-stronger-expected-gdp-growth-sends-positive-signal https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371483/chinas-stronger-expected-gdp-growth-sends-positive-signal Tue, 20 Oct 2026 23:15:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s civil engineering work is reputedly among the world’s best, as evidenced by the awe-inspiring infrastructure marvels and skyscrapers that have been built with exceptional efficiency and high standards across the city. These hard-earned credentials are not accidental but rooted in generations of professional practice and robust institutional safeguards and monitoring. Yet public confidence has been shaken by a series of scandals involving shoddy construction and maintenance work. From... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371351/ensure-standards-hong-kongs-civil-engineering-work-remain-sky-high https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371351/ensure-standards-hong-kongs-civil-engineering-work-remain-sky-high Mon, 19 Oct 2026 23:15:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Ocean Park has a special place in Hongkongers’ hearts. For half a century, the beloved theme park has been as much a leading conservation and education institution as an old friend. Yet it is struggling like an endangered species amid the mantra of survival of the fittest. As it marks its 50th anniversary with new facilities and celebrations, opportunities and challenges abound. In store for the golden jubilee are a revamped panda pavilion and a new marine mammal conservation centre featuring... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371163/ocean-park-weathers-stormy-seas-nostalgia-cant-be-its-lifeline https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371163/ocean-park-weathers-stormy-seas-nostalgia-cant-be-its-lifeline Sun, 18 Oct 2026 23:15:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial World Mental Health Month, observed each October, may not command the same public attention in Hong Kong as it does elsewhere. Yet the latest revelations about suicides among local school children should serve as a sobering call for more urgent action. With those aged 15 or below accounting for 60 per cent or more of suspected student suicide deaths over the past three academic years, and the under-15 suicide rate climbing to 2.9 per 100,000 – the highest since 2016 – the city cannot afford to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371158/hong-kong-cannot-afford-neglect-youth-mental-health https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371158/hong-kong-cannot-afford-neglect-youth-mental-health Sat, 17 Oct 2026 23:15:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s media stands at a crossroads, and how the city chooses to regulate it will shape not only the health of the industry but the vitality of “one country, two systems”. A robust, commercially viable media sector strengthens the city’s international standing. Licensing laws and regulations must therefore be treated as an integral part of efforts to build an ecosystem in which local media can grow, not just domestically but overseas. Technological disruption has upended the economics of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371139/hong-kongs-media-regulations-must-allow-room-innovation https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371139/hong-kongs-media-regulations-must-allow-room-innovation Fri, 16 Oct 2026 23:15:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong has staked much of its tourism revival on an ambitious strategy of impressing visitors from near and far with world-class shows and events. The recent Hong Kong Cyclothon was meant to be one of those spectacles. Regrettably, a wrong turn by a lead vehicle and a congested finish turned the flagship sporting event into a cautionary tale. The setback is embarrassing and the lesson is telling. In the pursuit of the mega-events economy, success is built on good preparation and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370978/mega-events-capital-has-little-margin-error https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370978/mega-events-capital-has-little-margin-error Fri, 16 Oct 2026 03:30:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) has never looked more vibrant. Visitor numbers climbed to over 17 million in 2025, up more than 10 per cent from the previous year. Since this year, more than 1,300 exhibitions, performances, programmes and events have been held, including the much-acclaimed showcase of ancient Egyptian treasures at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Revenue from tickets, sponsorships and cultural and creative products jumped 19 per cent to HK$768 million (US$98... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370825/hong-kongs-arts-hub-must-anchor-vibrancy-sustainability https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370825/hong-kongs-arts-hub-must-anchor-vibrancy-sustainability Wed, 14 Oct 2026 23:15:12 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial When finance ministers and senior officials from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum’s 21 member economies gather next week, Hong Kong will host the event for the first time. The choice of venue is no accident. China holds the Apec chair this year, and Beijing picked the city for a key ministerial summit. Sending the finance ministers to Hong Kong is a deliberate statement: the city remains the nation’s pre-eminent international financial centre, and the central government wants the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370686/hong-kongs-hosting-apec-finance-ministers-meeting-deliberate-choice https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370686/hong-kongs-hosting-apec-finance-ministers-meeting-deliberate-choice Tue, 13 Oct 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The revamped Huanggang Port has opened to a promising start. Thousands of passengers passed through it on the first day of operations, which officials described as satisfactory. Considering its significance amid intensifying cross-border integration under the strategic national drive for Greater Bay Area development, this is a welcome beginning. The new facility, along with its upgraded systems and transport links, will be put to further tests in the coming long weekend and the weeks and months... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370608/huanggang-port-upgrade-showcase-hong-kongs-gateway-role https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370608/huanggang-port-upgrade-showcase-hong-kongs-gateway-role Mon, 12 Oct 2026 23:15:18 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Finance Minister Lan Foan’s latest article offers an authoritative glimpse of Beijing’s fiscal compass. Its timing is telling: demand is flagging, external headwinds are stiffening and the Central Committee’s fifth plenum convenes in late October. Beneath the dry prose lies a weighty message: the real test is not only how hard to stimulate the economy but how to mend local governments’ battered finances. Stimulus comes first. The keywords are “precision” and “effectiveness”, signalling Beijing... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370467/beijing-right-reserve-its-fiscal-firepower https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370467/beijing-right-reserve-its-fiscal-firepower Sun, 11 Oct 2026 23:15:11 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Yet another high-profile business collapse has exposed how vulnerable Hong Kong consumers remain when they pay large sums upfront for service contracts stretching over a long period. The abrupt closure of Hotstone Yoga, after a decade in business, has left hundreds of customers facing potentially millions of dollars in losses. The incident has once again highlighted the risks for consumers paying hefty prices upfront for discounted services over a long period. It also renews calls on the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370326/cooling-period-bill-should-protect-more-consumers https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370326/cooling-period-bill-should-protect-more-consumers Sat, 10 Oct 2026 23:15:05 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong has been ranked the world’s freest economy for the third consecutive year, and for the ninth time in the last 10 years. Despite the almost unbroken grip on the coveted ranking by the Fraser Institute, a top Canadian think tank, it is not to be taken for granted. The Hong Kong government sets great store by continued recognition of the city’s economic freedom because it is fundamental to its competitiveness. For example, after the city lost first place to Singapore in 2023, on... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370284/hong-kong-crowned-worlds-freest-economy-again-cant-rest-its-laurels https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370284/hong-kong-crowned-worlds-freest-economy-again-cant-rest-its-laurels Fri, 09 Oct 2026 23:15:05 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The National Day “golden week” has long been a barometer of Hong Kong’s tourism and business health. While there was a reassuring uptick in visitor numbers and business activity this year, the figures also underscore the more complex and challenging environment facing various sectors. The simultaneous outflow of residents heading north, combined with evolving spending patterns among southbound mainland visitors, continues to put the city’s tourism facilities and business adaptability to a stern... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370168/hong-kong-businesses-must-stay-agile-attract-tourists https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370168/hong-kong-businesses-must-stay-agile-attract-tourists Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:15:11 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong has long prided itself on the quality and coverage of its public healthcare system. But it has not opened a hospital on the scale of the new one at Kai Tak, on the old airport site, for decades. Recent stand-alone developments like the North Lantau or Tin Shui Wai hospitals are significantly smaller. It is important that the opening goes smoothly. About 350 patients on day one is an impressive start, but that is expected to reach 1,800 a day by year’s end. The opening of Kai Tak... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370013/kai-tak-hospital-promises-set-new-benchmark-public-healthcare https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3370013/kai-tak-hospital-promises-set-new-benchmark-public-healthcare Wed, 07 Oct 2026 23:15:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Three years after Clara Chan Ka-chai took the helm as its first chief executive, Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) has proved its worth despite a difficult global economic climate. Her reappointment as chief executive for a further three-year term, beginning on October 9 is a fitting acknowledgement of that record. When HKIC was unveiled in the 2022 policy address, it had its critics. Some argued that Hong Kong’s prosperity was built on laissez-faire, not government investment, and that... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369873/three-years-hong-kongs-investment-body-has-proved-its-worth https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369873/three-years-hong-kongs-investment-body-has-proved-its-worth Tue, 06 Oct 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong athletes’ record medal haul from the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, could hardly have been better timed. It comes soon after Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu launched the city’s first five-year plan, which enshrines sport as a pillar of the city’s economic and social development until 2030. Our athletes’ success boosts the sport segment of the plan almost from the beginning. Key initiatives include big cumulative increases in sport funding and in the number of full-time elite... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369818/hong-kong-has-scope-build-record-asian-games-medal-haul https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369818/hong-kong-has-scope-build-record-asian-games-medal-haul Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:15:11 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial China’s spending on research and development (R&D) has reached a milestone worth celebrating, a testament to Beijing’s sustained commitment to science and technology. It hit a record 2.8 per cent of gross domestic product last year, exceeding 3.92 trillion yuan (US$584.8 billion) and beating the average for Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member states. Yet, there is still a long road ahead as the nation strives to lead the world at the technological frontier. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369566/china-must-ensure-rd-funding-flows-where-it-matters-most https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369566/china-must-ensure-rd-funding-flows-where-it-matters-most Sun, 04 Oct 2026 23:15:13 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Despite a government cash incentive for young couples to have children, Hong Kong’s birth rate continues to fall. It is driving the ageing of a society in which one in four people is projected to be 65 or over by 2028. Unless the trend is arrested, one in three residents is projected to be 65 or over by the 2040s. One projection puts the number of elderly residents at 2.74 million by 2046. Granted, it is not all bad news. One reason for the population ageing is increased longevity. But the fact... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369576/no-silver-bullet-hong-kongs-falling-birth-rate https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369576/no-silver-bullet-hong-kongs-falling-birth-rate Sat, 03 Oct 2026 23:15:11 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial In two months, Beijing’s reading of the economy has changed markedly. In July, the State Council brushed aside calls for stimulus, preferring to make “full and effective use of existing policies”. On Monday, a cabinet meeting chaired by Premier Li Qiang acknowledged emerging problems and pledged to “intensify countercyclical adjustment of macro policies”. The shift is welcome. But how the stimulus is delivered, and by whom, matters as much as its size. The case for urgency is plain. Growth... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369611/chinas-economic-recovery-calls-bigger-role-private-firms https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369611/chinas-economic-recovery-calls-bigger-role-private-firms Fri, 02 Oct 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial National Day is a celebration of this country’s achievements. China has much to be proud of since becoming a republic in 1949. The sentiment resonated in Hong Kong as it too celebrated National Day amid increased integration with the mainland’s development goals. What sets the 77th anniversary apart is the timing – at a critical juncture in the affairs of the nation and Hong Kong. President Xi Jinping has just returned from a state visit to the United States that included a summit with US... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369471/hong-kong-can-capitalise-its-unique-role-benefit-nation https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369471/hong-kong-can-capitalise-its-unique-role-benefit-nation Thu, 01 Oct 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The government has finally decided not to appeal a court ruling revoking environmental approval of a controversial proposed housing development at the Hong Kong Golf Club. This casts serious doubt on plans to build 12,000 public flats on 9.5 hectares out of 32 hectares of land resumed from the Old Course at the club in Fanling. The future use of the land is now uncertain. It remains to be seen what course the government will adopt, including how it will remedy a flawed consultation process. Some... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369298/hong-kong-must-balance-boosting-public-housing-supply-other-goals https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369298/hong-kong-must-balance-boosting-public-housing-supply-other-goals Wed, 30 Sep 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial For centuries, geography has been a burden for China’s southwest. Cargo had to travel a long way east to reach the sea through the ports of Guangdong. The Pinglu Canal, which opened to navigation in Guangxi in September, changes all that. It is the first river-to-sea canal built since the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949. A feat of engineering, it is a new gateway for trade between China and Southeast Asia. Whether it becomes a two-way gateway will depend on the choices made by Beijing... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369224/both-china-and-asean-must-capitalise-pinglu-canals-potential https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369224/both-china-and-asean-must-capitalise-pinglu-canals-potential Tue, 29 Sep 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial When Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu used his last policy address this month to announce an interdepartmental task force on minors’ use of social media and artificial intelligence platforms, he was placing Hong Kong within a widening international consensus. The digital lives of children can no longer be left to the goodwill of technology companies. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok has since confirmed that legislation is among the options. This inquiry should proceed with an open... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369094/hong-kong-moves-right-direction-minors-social-media-use https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369094/hong-kong-moves-right-direction-minors-social-media-use Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:15:13 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial If improved cooperation between China and the United States is any indication, the summit in Washington last week between presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump can be seen as a landmark in setting the tone for the future of the bilateral relationship on the basis of mutual respect and benefit. Xi’s state visit built on the foundations of better relations laid by the two leaders during Trump’s visit to Beijing in May. It yielded eight cooperative outcomes, according to the Chinese statement... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368957/xi-trump-summit-built-muscle-us-china-cooperation https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368957/xi-trump-summit-built-muscle-us-china-cooperation Sun, 27 Sep 2026 23:15:13 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Cities that host major international medical conferences can expect their own healthcare sector to come under attention. As a popular venue for such “mega-events”, Hong Kong is no exception. These events are also an opportunity for the host to proclaim its achievements. Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau did so at the World Cancer Congress, held in Hong Kong for the first time last week. Lo told delegates the city had cut its rate of cancer-related deaths by more than 40 per cent over the past... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368833/hong-kongs-fight-against-cancer-must-begin-early-screening https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368833/hong-kongs-fight-against-cancer-must-begin-early-screening Sat, 26 Sep 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s latest manpower projection offers some short-term relief, but includes a big warning. The shortfall expected by 2028 has narrowed to 130,000, down from the 180,000 forecast two years ago. Yet the workforce itself is set to shrink from 3.47 million last year to 3.4 million in 2028. That is roughly 20,000 fewer workers each year, even after counting imported labour and talent. Without those import schemes, the labour force would fall to 3.21 million and the gap would widen to 300,000.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368797/more-work-needed-plug-hong-kongs-labour-gap https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368797/more-work-needed-plug-hong-kongs-labour-gap Fri, 25 Sep 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s university town project is transforming from an ambitious vision into a concrete and deliverable action plan. With applications now open for campuses in Hung Shui Kiu, the government has set out the land, financing framework, timetable and strategic purpose of the first of three university towns. The challenge is to ensure that this flagship project becomes a showpiece of the Northern Metropolis mega development, paving the way for the mission to turn Hong Kong into a global... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368669/universities-must-rise-northern-metropolis-challenge https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368669/universities-must-rise-northern-metropolis-challenge Thu, 24 Sep 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial People and dogs usually coexist peacefully in Hong Kong. The recent licensing of nearly 1,000 restaurants to admit dogs is evidence of that. The deaths of two young women after they had been mauled by dogs therefore comes as a shock. They have prompted reflection and soul-searching about the canine legal and regulatory regime and the responsibilities and accountability of pet owners. The government has pledged to review and strengthen its policy on stray dogs, which were apparently involved in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368515/debate-dog-ownership-and-control-much-needed-hong-kong https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368515/debate-dog-ownership-and-control-much-needed-hong-kong Wed, 23 Sep 2026 23:15:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial After eight hours of talks in New York, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng managed to lay the groundwork for the two countries’ leaders to meet this week. Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump must be seen to make progress at their pivotal summit, even if few expect breakthroughs. Xi will arrive at the White House for the first time since 2015, as a trade war truce is set to expire on November 10, effectively a deadline that exerts intense... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368358/trump-xi-summit-key-step-towards-managing-conflict-more-wisely https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368358/trump-xi-summit-key-step-towards-managing-conflict-more-wisely Tue, 22 Sep 2026 23:15:05 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Faulty lifts are not uncommon in a high-rise city like Hong Kong, but it’s not every day such problems escalate to its top leader for attention. The 24 malfunctioning lifts at a newly commissioned clinical building at Queen Mary Hospital require not only prompt mechanical repairs but also a thorough investigation and punishment for those responsible. The saga first came to light in mid-August when the full commissioning of the hospital’s new HK$13.5 billion (US$1.7 billion) block was delayed by... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368243/hong-kong-must-address-systemic-lapses-behind-hospital-lift-failures https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368243/hong-kong-must-address-systemic-lapses-behind-hospital-lift-failures Mon, 21 Sep 2026 23:15:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Tung Chee-hwa’s passing unleashed a torrent of tributes from the community at large. Public condolences further affirm Beijing’s praise of Tung’s invaluable contribution to the “one country, two systems” principle. That says something about the legacy of Hong Kong’s first post-handover chief executive. The public outpouring of grief and gratitude from all walks of life set the stage for a moving state funeral and public memorial service on Sunday, and framed the eulogy delivered by Shi Taifeng,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368166/tung-chee-hwas-legacy-helps-lay-foundations-better-tomorrows https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3368166/tung-chee-hwas-legacy-helps-lay-foundations-better-tomorrows Sun, 20 Sep 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial China today is a pre-eminent technological powerhouse. Over multiple generations, Beijing has marshalled enormous resources to build one of the world’s largest pools of research talent. Under President Xi Jinping, Beijing has doubled down, with the 15th five-year plan projecting research and development spending to grow by at least 7 per cent annually. Yet quantity alone cannot secure scientific leadership. The nation’s future depends equally on quality. That demands an unwavering commitment to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367963/china-must-enforce-high-standards-integrity-scientists https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367963/china-must-enforce-high-standards-integrity-scientists Sat, 19 Sep 2026 23:15:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The US Federal Reserve’s decision to raise interest rates by 25 basis points marks a pivotal moment not just for American monetary policy, but for China’s increasingly fractured economy. As borrowing costs rise globally in response to persistent inflation – exacerbated by Middle East conflicts pushing oil prices skyward – China faces an uncomfortable reality: its economic fortunes depend on which sector you examine. As for Hong Kong, major local banks kept their prime rates unchanged, but... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367957/global-monetary-tightening-tests-chinas-2-speed-economy https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367957/global-monetary-tightening-tests-chinas-2-speed-economy Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:15:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s first five-year plan makes artificial intelligence development and governance a policy priority amid apocalyptic warnings from Silicon Valley’s leading AI bosses. While American executives speak of slowing development, the city and mainland China are systematically embedding AI across industries – a measured strategy focused on tangible economic transformation. China tightly regulates AI and so largely avoids the existential worries the technology provokes in the US. Recently,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367862/hong-kong-and-china-wont-genuflect-silicon-valleys-moral-panic-over-ai https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367862/hong-kong-and-china-wont-genuflect-silicon-valleys-moral-panic-over-ai Thu, 17 Sep 2026 23:15:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial A new chapter is unfolding with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu unveiling two much-anticipated documents crucial to the next critical phase of Hong Kong’s development. The joint release of the city’s first five-year plan and Lee’s fifth policy address, the final one of his current term, is no routine policy cycle. It is a pivotal moment that shapes the city’s trajectory up to 2030 and beyond, aligning a visionary blueprint with state development strategies, setting concrete targets and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367722/dual-policy-plans-will-help-hong-kong-grab-new-opportunities https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367722/dual-policy-plans-will-help-hong-kong-grab-new-opportunities Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:15:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong rightly prides itself on being one of the world’s safest cities with regard to violent crime. Yet the latest deception figures make clear that safety on the streets is no guarantee of safety over the phone and internet. Police are to be commended for their recent operations that smashed sophisticated fraud syndicates, including those employing hotel rooms as call centres and identity cards forged using artificial intelligence (AI) to launder money. But the underlying trend is hardly... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367594/combat-scams-hong-kong-needs-stronger-crackdowns-greater-vigilance https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367594/combat-scams-hong-kong-needs-stronger-crackdowns-greater-vigilance Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:15:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Philanthropic giving in nine Asian jurisdictions is projected to hit US$1.5 trillion over the next decade, according to the Commission on Asian Philanthropy. That has immense potential to help make the world a better place, which is why ensuring charity is efficient in Asia is important. The commission was launched just two years ago at a Hong Kong Jockey Club forum – Philanthropy for Better Cities – to develop more effective solutions to Asia’s socio-economic and environmental challenges. Why... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367450/asia-requires-flexible-conviction-led-approach-philanthropy https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367450/asia-requires-flexible-conviction-led-approach-philanthropy Mon, 14 Sep 2026 23:15:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong last week is tangible proof that 13 years after the initiative’s launch, the city has become central to its evolution from infrastructure projects to comprehensive connectivity and hi-tech platforms. More than 6,000 participants from over 70 countries attended, signing upwards of 60 commercial agreements and memorandums of understanding exceeding US$3 billion. These are evidence of sustained confidence in Hong Kong’s unique capacity to bridge mainland... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367309/hong-kong-cements-superconnector-role-wave-belt-and-road-deals https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367309/hong-kong-cements-superconnector-role-wave-belt-and-road-deals Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:15:11 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial China’s growing achievements in aerospace technology continue to instil pride and patriotism, even more so in Hong Kong with the city’s first astronaut now on board the orbiting Tiangong space station. The historic live interactive lecture by Lai Ka-ying and her fellow crew members on the “celestial palace” on Wednesday was more than a one-off occasion for students to catch a glimpse of life and research in space. Sustained by the right policy drive, the fervour can turn into a lasting... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367168/hong-kong-astronaut-can-help-propel-citys-science-and-tech-ambitions https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367168/hong-kong-astronaut-can-help-propel-citys-science-and-tech-ambitions Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:15:05 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial India’s public preparations for this weekend’s Brics summit in New Delhi are not to be compared with the spectacular display for the Group of 20 summit three years ago. The low-key approach to the meeting of leaders of emerging major economies and developing countries from the Global South can be misleading. What Brics may lack in pomp it makes up for in substance, such as the landmark in relations between the world’s two most populous nations. The occasion marks the first visit to India in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367233/brics-summit-could-emerge-milestone-blocs-unity https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367233/brics-summit-could-emerge-milestone-blocs-unity Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:15:07 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Thanks to the favourable global rankings of its universities and its unique linkage with mainland China and the world, Hong Kong is well positioned to upgrade itself into an international education and talent hub. Under the incumbent administration’s drive, more ambitious measures are being rolled out to burnish the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, and rightly so. The inaugural Global Education Summit held in the city over the weekend provided clarity on the way forward. Co-organised by the South... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367040/hong-kong-building-two-way-global-education-highway https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367040/hong-kong-building-two-way-global-education-highway Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:15:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial As Hong Kong’s first post-handover leader, Tung Chee-hwa was destined to go down in history. From steering the city through its uncertain early years after its return to Chinese rule to laying the foundations for its later momentous growth, the shipping magnate-turned-inaugural chief executive will be remembered not just for navigating the uncharted waters of “one country, two systems” but for his foresight in maintaining the city’s unique strengths as it integrated with the country for better... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366927/tungs-legacy-continues-inspire-city-under-one-country-two-systems https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366927/tungs-legacy-continues-inspire-city-under-one-country-two-systems Wed, 09 Sep 2026 23:15:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s expanding engagement with Central Asia represents more than a commercial drive. It signals a strategic recalibration that, if pursued with discipline and realism, could position the city as an indispensable bridge between East and Central Asia at a moment when traditional corridors of trade and exchange face mounting strain. Both sides must now move beyond aspirational declarations to overcome challenges constraining regional commerce. The concrete outcomes Chief Executive John Lee... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366738/hong-kong-and-central-asia-real-work-lies-ahead https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366738/hong-kong-and-central-asia-real-work-lies-ahead Tue, 08 Sep 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial President Xi Jinping has begun a month of travel expected to lead to the United States and a summit with President Donald Trump. That contrasts with the earlier part of the year which saw Xi hardly going anywhere but staying in Beijing. Instead, he hosted foreign leaders who flocked to meet him, including those of middle powers such as Britain, Germany, Canada and Spain, as they looked beyond an unpredictable American president and mixed signals from Washington. This reflects the growing... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366616/chinas-xi-sends-strong-message-his-us-visit https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366616/chinas-xi-sends-strong-message-his-us-visit Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:15:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial China’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) has reached a pivotal inflection point. The doubling of its offshore investments to 580 billion yuan (US$86 billion) over three years – now comprising 15.23 per cent of its total assets – signals not merely an incremental shift in asset allocation, but also a strategic recalibration necessitated by demographic pressures and diminishing domestic returns. For Hong Kong, this transformation represents perhaps the most consequential opportunity to cement... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366355/hong-kong-must-position-itself-bridge-chinas-outbound-funds https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366355/hong-kong-must-position-itself-bridge-chinas-outbound-funds Sun, 06 Sep 2026 23:15:12 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The record temperature of 36.9 degrees Celsius logged by the Hong Kong Observatory last month is the strongest evidence yet that extreme heat is not just a distant or occasional inconvenience. The rising temperature underlines a growing challenge that many authorities around the world are still grappling with. The city must respond not merely with improved mechanisms for alerts when the mercury soars but with a complete climate-resilience strategy that protects workers, older people, low-income... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366343/hong-kong-feels-heat-it-needs-robust-climate-resilience-strategy https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366343/hong-kong-feels-heat-it-needs-robust-climate-resilience-strategy Sat, 05 Sep 2026 23:15:05 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Imagine being fined for failing to file your online tax return on time even though you are absolutely sure you have done so, only to find out later that it wasn’t your own fault. For nearly 5,200 Hong Kong taxpayers, this scenario became reality after tens of thousands of people left their eTAX returns incomplete due to unclear wording and interface design. There were even two prosecutions before steps were taken to rectify the blunder. Commissioner of Inland Revenue Benjamin Chan Sze-wai... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366388/e-filing-failures-should-be-wake-call-public-services https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366388/e-filing-failures-should-be-wake-call-public-services Fri, 04 Sep 2026 23:15:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The pursuit of beauty often comes at a price, though not everyone can or should be expected to fork out a fortune for it, especially when aggressive sales tactics are involved. Recent incidents where routine visits to beauty parlours and department store counters turned into financial ordeals that left customers out of pocket do nothing for the city’s image and confidence in the sector. The tale of an 88-year-old woman having her credit card kept by a salesperson at a department store and swiped... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366236/hong-kongs-fight-against-aggressive-sales-tactics-far-over https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366236/hong-kongs-fight-against-aggressive-sales-tactics-far-over Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:15:10 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial With the first anniversary of the Tai Po fire less than three months away, Hong Kong’s recovery from the disaster is making steady progress. Nearly all affected households have accepted the government’s buyout offer, providing residents with a clear path towards rebuilding their lives. Meanwhile, the independent inquiry into the blaze is expected to table its report next month – an important step towards establishing accountability and ensuring that lessons are learned and acted upon. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366083/deal-reached-wang-fuk-court-flats-clears-way-recovery https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3366083/deal-reached-wang-fuk-court-flats-clears-way-recovery Wed, 02 Sep 2026 23:15:12 +0000