https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/512725/feed Latest news about Hong Kong society, including community, welfare, heritage, leisure and entertainment. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg Edith Lin,Vivian Au,Leopold Chen Edith Lin,Vivian Au,Leopold Chen This live article is freely available to our registered users. Please log in or create an account. Hong Kong authorities will provide more details about reforms to tackle bid-rigging and enhance oversight of building maintenance projects, in response to the city’s deadliest fire in decades. The government will hold two press conferences on Friday to provide details about the reforms, after an independent committee that investigated the Tai Po fire pointed to inadequacies in the government’s... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372651/ai-system-screen-contractors-mid-2027-part-sweeping-tai-po-fire-reforms https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372651/ai-system-screen-contractors-mid-2027-part-sweeping-tai-po-fire-reforms Fri, 30 Oct 2026 02:29:12 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong A raft of reforms to overhaul Hong Kong’s building maintenance sector has been hailed as a bold first step in tackling bid-rigging and other deep-rooted problems, but observers said its success would depend on the determination and persistence to implement them to restore public trust. They said the reforms signalled a departure from the government’s long-standing reliance on the self-discipline of industry professionals, but highlighted a notable absence of measures to tackle falsified... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3372635/will-tai-po-fire-reforms-wipe-out-collusion-hong-kongs-building-maintenance-industry https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3372635/will-tai-po-fire-reforms-wipe-out-collusion-hong-kongs-building-maintenance-industry Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:44:33 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s leader has apologised for last year’s deadly Tai Po fire, vowing extensive civil service and legislative reforms and an overhaul of government departments as his housing chief Winnie Ho Wing-yin resigned to offer political accountability. A grim-faced Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and seven other top officials bowed their heads in apology on Thursday at the start of a press briefing, the first time his administration had directly expressed regret since the blaze on November 26 at... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372634/hong-kongs-john-lee-apologises-tai-po-fire-unveils-reforms-housing-chief-resigns https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372634/hong-kongs-john-lee-apologises-tai-po-fire-unveils-reforms-housing-chief-resigns Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:08:24 +0000 Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung Hong Kong’s security chief has vowed to implement tougher enforcement against unauthorised shutdowns of fire safety systems and a structural overhaul of the Fire Services Department (FSD) after it was criticised for relying on a “passive, paper-driven” audit regime. The independent committee that investigated the Wang Fuk Court fire said in its report released on Thursday that the department had received notices that the estate’s fire hydrant and hosepipe reel system had been deactivated for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372626/security-chief-vows-revamp-fire-department-after-report-censures-lax-inspections https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372626/security-chief-vows-revamp-fire-department-after-report-censures-lax-inspections Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:18:59 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing The lack of a sense of crisis and an overreliance on an “honour system” prevented the buildings, labour and fire safety authorities from acting on fire safety risks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, a judge-led panel that investigated Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades has found. But among the four government bodies singled out in the independent committee’s final report on the fire, the Labour Department should bear the least responsibility, it said. “Firstly and most importantly, there was a... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372625/tai-po-fire-risks-went-unchecked-honour-system-exploited-report-says https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372625/tai-po-fire-risks-went-unchecked-honour-system-exploited-report-says Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:16:01 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung No government department took effective ownership of fire safety risks ahead of the deadly Tai Po fire in Hong Kong, allowing complaints made by residents to fall into a vacuum, according to an independent committee. At the release of the 1,154-page full report on Thursday, Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said he would lead a steering committee to review and implement the more than 100 recommendations of the independent committee. The recommendations included the criminalisation of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372624/residents-were-left-helpless-departments-passed-ball-safety-complaints https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372624/residents-were-left-helpless-departments-passed-ball-safety-complaints Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:00:16 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hong Kong’s housing chief has resigned to take political responsibility for the devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court, offering condolences to the families of the victims and expressing hope that those who perished may rest in peace. Winnie Ho Wing-yin said on Thursday that she submitted her resignation to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu the previous day, becoming the only minister-level official so far to resign over the fire. “As the secretary for housing, I’m willing to bear political... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372620/hong-kong-housing-chief-quits-over-tai-po-fire-accepts-political-responsibility https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372620/hong-kong-housing-chief-quits-over-tai-po-fire-accepts-political-responsibility Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:45:18 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s disgraced Independent Checking Unit (ICU) will be disbanded as part of reforms in the wake of the city’s deadliest fire in decades, after a judge-led inquiry identified it as the government arm with the greatest responsibility for the Wang Fuk Court inferno. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Thursday that the Housing Bureau would undergo internal restructuring, under which the ICU would be replaced by a new Public Housing Building Control Section. Deputy Financial Secretary... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372616/hong-kong-replace-disgraced-housing-unit-over-deadly-tai-po-fire https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372616/hong-kong-replace-disgraced-housing-unit-over-deadly-tai-po-fire Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:04:36 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft A combination of a lit cigarette and an “abundant fuel” of combustible materials caused Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades, according to a long-awaited report which found the blaze would not have killed so many people, or happened at all, without “human fault”. Eleven months after the deadly fire tore through Wang Fuk Court, killing 168 and displacing thousands, an independent committee’s report released on Thursday assigned blame to the main contractor for renovations at the housing estate,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372602/lit-cigarette-combustibles-and-human-fault-led-deadly-hong-kong-fire-report https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372602/lit-cigarette-combustibles-and-human-fault-led-deadly-hong-kong-fire-report Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:11:47 +0000 SCMP Reporters SCMP Reporters This live article is freely available to our registered users. Please log in or create an account. The Hong Kong government has released a deeply scathing report by an independent committee probing the city’s deadliest blaze in decades, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu holding a press conference alongside top officials to outline the administration’s consequent actions and systemic reforms. Sources earlier said that at least one senior official would take the rap for the tragedy as part of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372542/tai-po-fire-inquiry-hard-hitting-report-tragedy-set-be-released https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372542/tai-po-fire-inquiry-hard-hitting-report-tragedy-set-be-released Thu, 29 Oct 2026 06:40:49 +0000 Olga Wong Olga Wong At least one senior official will take the rap for the deadly Tai Po fire as part of a set of “bold, comprehensive and far-reaching reforms” the Hong Kong government will announce on Thursday afternoon, sources have told the South China Morning Post. The official’s expected resignation would be part of the political accountability that the government hoped to underscore along with major reforms on administrative accountability that will go right to the top, one source said. The shake-up is... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3372536/least-1-senior-official-take-rap-deadly-tai-po-fire-part-bold-reforms https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3372536/least-1-senior-official-take-rap-deadly-tai-po-fire-part-bold-reforms Thu, 29 Oct 2026 05:39:16 +0000 Fiona Chow Fiona Chow A Hong Kong court has sentenced a teenager with triad links to eight years in prison for splashing corrosive liquid on a Singaporean tourist last year in return for a promised payment of HK$10,000 (US$1,280). Mr Justice Andrew Chan Hing-wai of the High Court said on Thursday that defendant Anson Kew, 19, had caused a “lifelong impact” on Jiang Wen, 36, who suffered second-degree burns in the attack on June 9, 2025. Kew, who was aged 17 at the time, threw a corrosive solution on the victim as she... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372525/hong-kong-teen-jailed-8-years-acid-attack-singaporean-tourist https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372525/hong-kong-teen-jailed-8-years-acid-attack-singaporean-tourist Thu, 29 Oct 2026 04:58:22 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words. The price of brent crude oil topped US$116 a barrel this week, its highest level since April, after attacks on tankers threatened Gulf supplies. In a previous letter published in these pages (“Hong Kong’s high fuel prices warrant scrutiny”, April 18), we reported the results of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3372379/rising-oil-prices-boost-appeal-evs-hong-kong-commercial-drivers https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3372379/rising-oil-prices-boost-appeal-evs-hong-kong-commercial-drivers Thu, 29 Oct 2026 03:30:07 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Traffic police have issued more than 220,000 tickets for parking-related offences in each of the past three years, raking in at least HK$70 million (US$8.92 million) a year for Hong Kong’s coffers, but a lawmaker said inspections could be enhanced to target more offenders. In a written reply to the Legislative Council on Wednesday, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan said police issued 259,589, 242,550 and 225,489 fixed penalty tickets in 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3372473/hong-kong-lawmaker-urges-more-checks-illegal-parking-fines-top-hk70m-year https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3372473/hong-kong-lawmaker-urges-more-checks-illegal-parking-fines-top-hk70m-year Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:58:03 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu Soft skills and deep domain knowledge will decide how far young workers go in the age of artificial intelligence, Hong Kong’s labour chief has said, predicting that demand for AI practitioners with both technical capability and professional expertise will grow three- to fourfold. Rejecting fears that automation will replace the human workforce, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han dismissed the claim as a “zero-sum game”, stressing that the future lay in close collaboration between... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/education/article/3372443/human-master-labour-chief-says-ai-reshaping-jobs-not-ending-them https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/education/article/3372443/human-master-labour-chief-says-ai-reshaping-jobs-not-ending-them Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:30:09 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok Hong Kong authorities are searching for an elderly man who went missing in a remote rural area of Tai Po three days ago. Tung Chung-yin, 80, was last seen at Wu Kau Tang in Plover Cove Country Park on Sunday. His family reported him missing to police on Tuesday. A search was launched on Tuesday night and continued on Wednesday. Police have appealed to the public for information on his whereabouts. Tung, who has short grey hair, is about 1.7 metres tall (5 feet, 7 inches), weighs about 75kg and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372457/authorities-search-elderly-hong-kong-man-missing-tai-po-3-days https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372457/authorities-search-elderly-hong-kong-man-missing-tai-po-3-days Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:33:20 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin About 70 per cent of subdivided flats in Hong Kong have been registered for a grace period under a new law aimed at eradicating substandard homes, with most submissions coming from landlords in Kowloon’s Yau Tsim Mong district, according to the Housing Bureau. The bureau told the Legislative Council on Wednesday that 75,070 subdivided homes across about 21,000 whole flats had been registered for the three-year grace period since applications opened in March under the new Basic Housing Units... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372442/kowloon-leads-70-hong-kongs-subdivided-flats-registered-grace-period https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372442/kowloon-leads-70-hong-kongs-subdivided-flats-registered-grace-period Wed, 28 Oct 2026 10:30:46 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong’s third medical school has dismissed allegations of talent poaching after recruiting a veteran haematologist with nearly three decades of service at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Professor Anskar Leung Yu-hung met the press at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on Wednesday in his capacity as the senior associate dean of medicine at the new school, which is expected to open in the 2028-29 academic year. “The opportunity to be part of a team to [build] a new... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/education/article/3372430/hong-kongs-third-medical-school-denies-poaching-veteran-hku-professor https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/education/article/3372430/hong-kongs-third-medical-school-denies-poaching-veteran-hku-professor Wed, 28 Oct 2026 09:03:25 +0000 Mike Rowse Mike Rowse One word will hang over the Hong Kong community in the run-up to next month’s anniversary of the dreadful Tai Po fire that took 168 of our fellow citizens’ lives: accountability. By the time we mark the occasion, we will know if we still have a system based on ministers taking political responsibility for failures in their policy areas or whether we must revise our constitutional arrangements. The fire at Wang Fuk Court, which broke out on November 26 last year, traumatised the whole population... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3372240/deliver-accountability-tai-po-fire-tragedy-or-admit-system-broken https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3372240/deliver-accountability-tai-po-fire-tragedy-or-admit-system-broken Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:30:06 +0000 Letters Letters Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words. Hong Kong’s primary healthcare development is at a critical crossroads. While the government’s first five-year plan aims to build a sustainable system and expand community health services, our healthcare framework remains rigidly doctor-led. This over-reliance creates a major... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3372279/hong-kong-not-well-served-doctor-led-primary-healthcare-model https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3372279/hong-kong-not-well-served-doctor-led-primary-healthcare-model Wed, 28 Oct 2026 03:30:06 +0000 Leopold Chen,Olga Wong Leopold Chen,Olga Wong Hong Kong’s leader is expected to announce reforms introducing criminal penalties for bid-rigging on Thursday, when the government will also release the final investigation report on the Tai Po inferno, the South China Morning Post has learned. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and his senior officials would outline the proposed measures and give an update on efforts to pursue “administrative accountability” at a press conference, a government source said on Wednesday. Senior officials... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372377/hong-kong-propose-criminal-penalties-bid-rigging-after-deadly-tai-po-fire https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372377/hong-kong-propose-criminal-penalties-bid-rigging-after-deadly-tai-po-fire Wed, 28 Oct 2026 03:15:19 +0000 Eric Jiang,Lexi Tian Eric Jiang,Lexi Tian More than 10,000 households in Hong Kong’s Eastern district were left without running water on Tuesday after a pipe burst in Shau Kei Wan – marking the area’s second major outage since July – forcing restaurants to close and sending residents queuing into the streets for emergency supplies. Tap water supplies began to be gradually restored from 9.30pm following emergency repairs to the burst main on Shau Kei Wan Road, which was accidentally damaged by a contractor during road maintenance,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372267/households-parts-eastern-district-without-water-after-pipe-burst-shau-kei-wan https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372267/households-parts-eastern-district-without-water-after-pipe-burst-shau-kei-wan Tue, 27 Oct 2026 06:22:56 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au More than 1,600 customers of Hong Kong Airlines and two electrical appliance retailers received suspected scam calls following personal data leaks, the city’s privacy watchdog has found. In one airline-related scam, a retiree was cheated out of HK$1.2 million (US$153,850), the Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) said on Tuesday, citing police information. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) said it had received 34 complaints and 30 inquiries... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372248/2000-customers-hong-kong-airlines-2-appliance-shops-get-scam-calls-after-data-breach https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372248/2000-customers-hong-kong-airlines-2-appliance-shops-get-scam-calls-after-data-breach Tue, 27 Oct 2026 04:48:40 +0000 SCMP SCMP This article was first published on October 27, 1971. Hongkong’s royal welcome for Princess Anne Princess Anne, radiant in a stylish knee-length beige suit and a matching wide-brimmed hat, flew in yesterday (October 26, 1971) to a warm welcome from the people of Hong Kong. She begins her official visits today (October 27, 1971) – a public holiday – when thousands of people will be able to see her during her calls at places like the Tung Wah Hospital, the Po Leung Kuk and the ancient Man Mo... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372229/princess-anne-begins-her-official-visit-hong-kong-1971-scmp-archive https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372229/princess-anne-begins-her-official-visit-hong-kong-1971-scmp-archive Tue, 27 Oct 2026 03:30:22 +0000 SCMP Reporter SCMP Reporter The South China Morning Post has won six prizes at the World Association of News Publishers’ (Wan-Ifra) prestigious Asian Media Awards 2026 in Singapore, including a clean sweep for best news photography. The SCMP emerged as a big winner on Wednesday with five gold and one silver for its photojournalism, infographics, design and offerings for young readers. In the best news photography category, senior photographer Sam Tsang’s image of a man whose wife was trapped in last November’s Tai Po fire... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372209/hong-kongs-south-china-morning-post-shines-asian-media-awards-6-prizes https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372209/hong-kongs-south-china-morning-post-shines-asian-media-awards-6-prizes Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:02:15 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang A new race blending urban and countryside views across Hong Kong will take place on Sunday, featuring the newly opened Fanling Bypass as the finish line for the full-marathon route. Organised by the New Territories Heung Yee Kuk to mark its 100th anniversary, the inaugural Northern Metropolis Marathon has drawn about 15,000 registered runners across four categories: the full marathon, half marathon, 10km and 1,600m races. Addressing safety concerns after a recent series of dog attacks in the New... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/hong-kong/article/3372191/officials-pledge-quell-dog-attacks-inaugural-northern-metropolis-marathon https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/sport/hong-kong/article/3372191/officials-pledge-quell-dog-attacks-inaugural-northern-metropolis-marathon Mon, 26 Oct 2026 14:35:10 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong authorities have proposed raising the residential share of a Hung Hom harbourfront development to more than 60 per cent by cutting commercial floor space, citing “strong doubts” over market demand for offices. The Development Bureau, which submitted the latest proposal to the Legislative Council’s development panel on Monday, also suggested reallocating residential space from initially planned seaside sites to inland plots near Hung Hom station and Polytechnic University. The move aims... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372204/hong-kong-proposes-more-homes-less-office-space-hung-hom-harbourfront https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372204/hong-kong-proposes-more-homes-less-office-space-hung-hom-harbourfront Mon, 26 Oct 2026 14:04:32 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu The idea of collecting cardboard boxes and used paper in exchange for a few pennies was never something Kuang Su-ling thought she would have to do for a living. It is a laborious occupation that involves working long hours and travelling inconvenient distances, often in difficult outdoor conditions. But Kuang became a waste paper scavenger after she was diagnosed with diabetic eye disease seven years ago and lost her job as a cleaner. “I could not find any other work and I needed money to cover... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3372130/how-will-hong-kongs-cardboard-scavengers-survive-prices-drop-after-new-policy https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3372130/how-will-hong-kongs-cardboard-scavengers-survive-prices-drop-after-new-policy Mon, 26 Oct 2026 11:00:08 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong employees will have better control over the management of their compulsory retirement savings under the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) starting from December 21. The new “full portability” mechanism comes after another major change in 2024, when the authority launched the eMPF platform, a centralised electronic platform to standardise, streamline and automate the administrative processes of the MPF scheme, marking the start of the MPF digital era. The South China Morning Post looks at... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3372162/what-hongkongers-need-know-about-latest-changes-mpf-scheme https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3372162/what-hongkongers-need-know-about-latest-changes-mpf-scheme Mon, 26 Oct 2026 08:28:55 +0000 Kristen Cheung,Danny Mok Kristen Cheung,Danny Mok A fire broke out on Monday at Hong Kong’s waste-to-energy incinerator on an artificial island off Shek Kwu Chau, prompting more than 900 people to flee to safety and leaving one staff member feeling unwell from suspected heatstroke. The Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1, or I·PARK1, located south of Lantau Island, also had to suspend operations following the fire. The blaze started at 12.43pm at the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 and was upgraded to a No 3 alarm at... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372144/fire-breaks-out-hong-kongs-shek-kwu-chau-waste-energy-plant https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372144/fire-breaks-out-hong-kongs-shek-kwu-chau-waste-energy-plant Mon, 26 Oct 2026 07:18:41 +0000 Edith Lin,William Yiu Edith Lin,William Yiu Hong Kong authorities have caught a dog that bit a 26-year-old man who was chased by three dogs on his way to work at a warehouse. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said on Monday that it sent officers to a warehouse on Kam Pok Road in Yuen Long after police had referred a suspected dog bite case. “The dog suspected was taken away and sent to an animal management centre for detention and observation,” a department spokesman said. “The dog concerned is a microchipped mongrel... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372118/man-chased-3-dogs-and-bitten-while-his-way-work-yuen-long https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372118/man-chased-3-dogs-and-bitten-while-his-way-work-yuen-long Mon, 26 Oct 2026 04:08:55 +0000 Wanxin Li Wanxin Li The latest rankings confirm what many in Hong Kong already know: the city’s universities are exceptional. Five institutions continue to sit among the world’s top 100, reflecting decades of investment, academic ambition and hard work. Yet behind the rankings triumph lies a question that receives far less attention: what happens to the people responsible for that success? As universities compete ever harder for rankings, grants and prestige, academics face growing pressure to produce results on... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3371160/hong-kongs-pursuit-top-university-rankings-comes-cost https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3371160/hong-kongs-pursuit-top-university-rankings-comes-cost Mon, 26 Oct 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu It’s common knowledge that Hong Kong has a spectacular skyline, especially at night. And given our current obsession with boosting tourism and other value-adding objectives, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that our tourism authorities are actively adding more light to our night skyline. The Tourism Board tried holding monthly firework and drone shows in 2024, but had to scale back after a budget cut – and amid questions of whether more frequent displays, costing the public HK$1 million... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3372057/peak-lighting-outcry-spotlights-trouble-fast-track-governance https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3372057/peak-lighting-outcry-spotlights-trouble-fast-track-governance Sun, 25 Oct 2026 21:30:06 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin The death of veteran Hong Kong stock market commentator Louie Shum Chun-ying has drawn public attention to heart disease, after a police source revealed he had a history of the condition as well as diabetes. Heart disease was one of the leading causes of death in Hong Kong, with more than 6,500 fatalities recorded in 2024, according to the Department of Health. While residents at risk should monitor their health and seek timely medical care, a local cardiologist stressed that bystanders could... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3372082/louie-shums-death-heart-disease-hong-kong-and-what-do-emergency https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3372082/louie-shums-death-heart-disease-hong-kong-and-what-do-emergency Sun, 25 Oct 2026 12:50:34 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau A controversial lighting project along a walking trail on The Peak is in doubt following mounting complaints that the installations damage Hong Kong’s natural beauty. Designed as one of several new attractions meant to replace a retired light show, the initiative has been criticised by local residents and visitors. The South China Morning Post looks at what has gone wrong with the project. 1. What is the project? The Tourism Board planned small light installations for selected points along the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3372069/upgrade-or-eyesore-why-hong-kongs-peak-light-display-has-hit-snag https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3372069/upgrade-or-eyesore-why-hong-kongs-peak-light-display-has-hit-snag Sun, 25 Oct 2026 09:04:10 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Veteran Hong Kong stock commentator Louie Shum Chun-ying has died aged 66, with a police source revealing he had a history of heart disease and diabetes. His twin sister confirmed on Sunday that he died on Saturday night at Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai, sharing the news in a post on his social media page. Shum, also known as “Master Shum”, was chief executive of stock brokerage Sincere Securities until his retirement two years ago. He remained active on internet radio shows over the past two... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372063/veteran-hong-kong-stock-commentator-louie-shum-dies-aged-66 https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372063/veteran-hong-kong-stock-commentator-louie-shum-dies-aged-66 Sun, 25 Oct 2026 07:46:10 +0000 Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung About 1 million employees in Hong Kong will be allowed to move their entire Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) savings to a different provider once a year, starting December 21. The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, which regulates the mandatory pension plans, said on Sunday that the “full portability” arrangement would be carried out in two phases to ensure a smooth implementation. In a blog post, authority chairwoman Ayesha Macpherson Lau said the arrangement would allow eligible members... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3372056/1-million-hong-kong-employees-get-full-portability-mpf-funds-december https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3372056/1-million-hong-kong-employees-get-full-portability-mpf-funds-december Sun, 25 Oct 2026 06:06:04 +0000 Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung Hong Kong police are investigating a case involving a mainland Chinese influencer suspected of offering to bring non-local surrogate mothers of LGBTQ parents to give birth in the city. Tan Zubiao, who goes by the name of “berlinsun” on Instagram, reportedly set up a company in the city and advertised commercial surrogacy services for LGBTQ couples on social media. Tan and his foreign husband, who have two children through surrogacy, were deported from Kaohsiung in Taiwan last Thursday after... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372052/law-enforcement-alerted-about-firm-offering-lgbtq-surrogacy-services-hong-kong https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372052/law-enforcement-alerted-about-firm-offering-lgbtq-surrogacy-services-hong-kong Sun, 25 Oct 2026 04:49:32 +0000 Regina Ip Regina Ip Hong Kong’s civil service has long enjoyed a reputation for efficiency, professionalism and probity. It has also been a pillar of stability, particularly during the transition from British to Chinese rule. Outside the general and administrative grades, many civil servants spend much of their careers in relatively specialised areas of responsibility. This allows them to develop deep expertise and makes them dependable regulators and administrators. However, it can also make it harder to adapt... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3371777/hong-kong-needs-civil-service-fit-changed-world https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3371777/hong-kong-needs-civil-service-fit-changed-world Sun, 25 Oct 2026 01:30:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Tragedies involving vulnerable elderly people continue to make headlines in Hong Kong. Sadly, in a rapidly ageing society where many live alone or with an elderly partner, this seems unlikely to change any time soon. There is an urgent need to close gaps in support services. The authorities have initiated several measures, including a plan to import trained domestic carers, but that is only a start on addressing a growing problem. About a week ago, a man, 72, and his 69-year-old partner died in... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371933/hong-kong-must-urgently-tackle-its-elderly-isolation-problem https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371933/hong-kong-must-urgently-tackle-its-elderly-isolation-problem Sat, 24 Oct 2026 23:15:12 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Police have arrested a 34-year-old man who allegedly mixed rat poison into food left for stray cats in a Kowloon park and was found in possession of a knife. The force said it received a report at around 3.30am on Saturday that a man was suspected of putting poison in cat food that animal welfare volunteers had placed near tennis courts in Shek Kip Mei Park. Officers arrived at the scene and seized a packet of suspected rat poison and a fruit knife measuring around 14cm (5.5 inches) in length... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372037/man-arrested-over-suspected-rat-poison-stray-cat-food-kowloon-park https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3372037/man-arrested-over-suspected-rat-poison-stray-cat-food-kowloon-park Sat, 24 Oct 2026 15:47:48 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Fiona Sun Lo Hoi-ying,Fiona Sun Parts of two installations in a controversial lighting project along a walking trail on The Peak have been removed, days after Hong Kong’s tourism authorities pledged to balance the community’s needs and said the scheme was not “set in stone”. The removals came hours after Commissioner for Tourism Ann Chan Wai-yan inspected the site on Saturday morning with a lawmaker and a district councillor, following an outcry from residents who accused the Hong Kong Tourism Board of removing trees and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372034/2-projector-stands-removed-controversial-peak-lighting-project-after-outcry https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372034/2-projector-stands-removed-controversial-peak-lighting-project-after-outcry Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:27:49 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Over nearly four decades, Operation Santa Claus (OSC) has grown from a quirky holiday fundraiser into an “engine” for community change in Hong Kong. For some beneficiaries, the journey was a full circle. Rachel Chow Chiu-yan learned about the fundraising drive in Young Post when she was a student, later pitched for funds on behalf of a group helping teenage girls and later joined the charity. “Ten to 20 years ago, Operation Santa Claus disbursed some funding to charities that saw it as seed... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372027/how-operation-santa-claus-grew-christmas-donations-engine-change https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372027/how-operation-santa-claus-grew-christmas-donations-engine-change Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:37:07 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Halloween has arrived early in Hong Kong, with costumed revellers and families thronging the city’s streets a week early and some establishments seeing business increase by up to 20 per cent. The streets of Central were packed on Saturday as visitors and locals alike joined events held under the Tourism Board’s inaugural “Hong Kong Halloween Month”. The campaign, which started last Saturday, involves street celebrations in Central, including Lan Kwai Fong, Kai Tak, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372028/halloween-comes-early-hong-kong-festivities-draw-crowds-lift-bar-business https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3372028/halloween-comes-early-hong-kong-festivities-draw-crowds-lift-bar-business Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:47:39 +0000 Ian Brownlee Ian Brownlee Private recreation leases have a long and contentious history in Hong Kong. Complaints about the inequity of granting land leases to private clubs at a nominal premium for the exclusive enjoyment of a small number of members have been raised many times. This issue is increasingly pressing. Twenty-seven sites are involved and almost all the leases for these sites are set for renewal next year. In response to this perceived inequality, the government reviewed its policy for clubs with private... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3371499/why-hong-kong-should-rethink-premiums-private-recreation-clubs https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3371499/why-hong-kong-should-rethink-premiums-private-recreation-clubs Sat, 24 Oct 2026 01:30:11 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial From ageing fleets and drivers to the likes of Uber making inroads, taxi services around the world face an array of challenges. In Hong Kong, drivers complain about unfair competition and regulatory reform pressure. At the same time, they continue to be the target of complaints in relation to refusing rides, rude service, overcharging and taking circuitous routes. In response, the government has taken steps to regulate ride-hailing platforms and introduce premium taxi fleets to enhance service... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371923/hong-kongs-taxi-reform-progresses-has-far-go https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3371923/hong-kongs-taxi-reform-progresses-has-far-go Fri, 23 Oct 2026 23:15:10 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong’s Urban Renewal Authority has advised property owners under a subsidy scheme against hiring a contractor that failed to install fire safety components in lifts at hundreds of buildings, saying it had “lost confidence” in the company. The move came a day after the government suspended the performance rating for Taizoom Elevator, which was found to have failed to install required fire-resistant door frame components at 338 buildings as inspections of its work across the city are carried... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371969/ura-tells-owners-avoid-hiring-lift-company-centre-fire-safety-probe https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371969/ura-tells-owners-avoid-hiring-lift-company-centre-fire-safety-probe Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:40:46 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong’s legislature will set up a subcommittee to examine proposed restrictions on access to land records following widespread public concern. At a Legislative Council House Committee meeting on Friday, lawmakers endorsed establishing the subcommittee to study proposed requirements and procedures under the Land Titles Regulation. The move came after some legislators and the Hong Kong Journalists Association voiced objections on Wednesday after the government tabled eight pieces of subsidiary... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371956/hong-kong-legco-review-tighter-rules-access-land-records-amid-concerns https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371956/hong-kong-legco-review-tighter-rules-access-land-records-amid-concerns Fri, 23 Oct 2026 13:05:36 +0000 Vivian Au,Lexi Tian Vivian Au,Lexi Tian One of Hong Kong’s last traditional sauce makers is to cease operations, ending its 90-year legacy, after authorities cleared land at its Kwu Tung factory on Friday. Established in 1936, Kui Lee Sauce and Preserved Fruit confirmed to the South China Morning Post that it would close down once its remaining inventory at its shop in Wan Chai was sold. “Our factory in Kwu Tung has halted production, and all remaining stock is at our retail shop. We will close permanently after selling through all... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371935/hong-kong-sauce-maker-close-after-90-years-making-way-northern-metropolis https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371935/hong-kong-sauce-maker-close-after-90-years-making-way-northern-metropolis Fri, 23 Oct 2026 09:36:16 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau Hong Kong’s top government officials and police officers paid their final respects on Friday to a former constable who died 21 years after being left paralysed in an attack while on duty. Jacky Chu Chun-kwok, who died last month aged 52, was laid to rest following a service at the Universal Funeral Parlour in Hung Hom at 10.30am, which was attended by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung. The mood was sombre as family members, friends, colleagues and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371899/hong-kong-constable-paralysed-2005-knife-attack-laid-rest-full-honours https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371899/hong-kong-constable-paralysed-2005-knife-attack-laid-rest-full-honours Fri, 23 Oct 2026 07:42:51 +0000