https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/525317/feed Theodora joined the Post in 2026 and covers Hong Kong current affairs. Prior to joining the Post, she was a reporter at the Washington Post covering Hong Kong and mainland China. She is interested in business, climate and the environment, oral history and open-source investigations. en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg 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 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Severe haze in Hong Kong over the past two days has prompted a government warning of serious health risks, with experts urging the elderly and vulnerable to stay indoors until sunset. Air quality health risk levels at some of Hong Kong’s roadside monitoring stations rose on Wednesday and Thursday, with experts attributing the surge to elevated ozone levels caused by sunlight and high temperatures and warning that conditions were likely to persist over the next few days. On Wednesday afternoon,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3371819/hong-kong-elderly-urged-stay-indoors-air-pollution-spikes-serious-levels https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3371819/hong-kong-elderly-urged-stay-indoors-air-pollution-spikes-serious-levels Fri, 23 Oct 2026 02:00:15 +0000 Theodora Yu,Natalie Wong Theodora Yu,Natalie Wong Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities have condemned a UK report that said the city’s national security law had further eroded the openness underpinning its success as a financial hub. In a statement issued early on Friday, the Hong Kong government said it had to “refute the untruthful remarks, slanders and smears” about the city in London’s report and reject what it described as an attempt to interfere in its governance through “despicable political manoeuvres”. “The UK government smeared... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3371828/beijing-slams-uks-irresponsible-remarks-hong-kong-6-monthly-report https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3371828/beijing-slams-uks-irresponsible-remarks-hong-kong-6-monthly-report Thu, 22 Oct 2026 16:34:41 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Star Ferry fares are set to rise by as much as HK$1.80 (23 US cents) from January after Hong Kong authorities endorsed the operator’s application for an increase, taking the cost of a weekend cross-harbour trip to up to HK$8.30. The operator, which last raised its fares in 2023, applied in March to increase charges on its two franchised routes by between 80 HK cents and HK$2 per journey. Under a proposal approved by the Executive Council last Tuesday and announced on Wednesday, fares for the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3371665/star-ferry-fares-rise-hk180-january https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3371665/star-ferry-fares-rise-hk180-january Wed, 21 Oct 2026 11:58:33 +0000 Lexi Tian,Theodora Yu Lexi Tian,Theodora Yu A controversial lighting project along a walking trail on The Peak “is not set in stone yet”, authorities have said, with the South China Morning Post learning that related works have been suspended amid mounting complaints that the installations are damaging the environment. The project’s future remains uncertain after residents accused the Tourism Board of removing trees and flowers to make way for the installations, while a lawmaker said a district councillor from the city’s largest political... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3371630/work-hong-kongs-peak-trail-light-project-suspended-amid-environmental-outcry https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3371630/work-hong-kongs-peak-trail-light-project-suspended-amid-environmental-outcry Wed, 21 Oct 2026 07:50:51 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong has issued an amber outbound travel alert for France after weeks of protests over school conditions spread across the country, triggering clashes and damage in major cities. The alert – the lowest of three levels in the Security Bureau’s outbound travel alert system – advises residents travelling to France to exercise caution in response to signs of a threat to personal safety. “Due to persistent protests across many places in France, which have resulted in clashes and damage, the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371526/hong-kong-issues-amber-travel-alert-france-school-protests-turn-violent https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3371526/hong-kong-issues-amber-travel-alert-france-school-protests-turn-violent Tue, 20 Oct 2026 10:56:34 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong police have launched an animal cruelty investigation after five dogs were found dead near fish ponds in the northern New Territories, with sources saying the animals may have been poisoned. The force received a report on Sunday morning from a passer-by who spotted four dog carcasses at a fish pond in San Tin, near Mai Po, and suspected the animals had been mistreated. When officers arrived, they found the four carcasses and discovered a fifth at a nearby fish pond. A source told the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3371310/5-dogs-found-dead-near-san-tin-fish-ponds-suspected-poisoning-case https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3371310/5-dogs-found-dead-near-san-tin-fish-ponds-suspected-poisoning-case Sun, 18 Oct 2026 11:56:53 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong authorities have prosecuted 20 restaurants for unlawfully allowing dogs onto their premises since the city’s dog-friendly dining scheme launched in July. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said on Sunday that seven people had also been prosecuted for bringing dogs into eateries without permission, while four others were prosecuted for failing to keep their pets securely leashed in permitted restaurants. A department spokesman said it had adopted a “pragmatic and flexible”... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3371303/20-restaurants-prosecuted-allowing-dogs-without-permits-scheme-launched https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3371303/20-restaurants-prosecuted-allowing-dogs-without-permits-scheme-launched Sun, 18 Oct 2026 10:23:19 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Roughly one in three unattended dogs captured by Hong Kong authorities had been euthanised as of May this year, a sharp rise from 18 per cent in 2021, according to the latest legislative documents. The proportion of captured unattended dogs later reclaimed by their owners or transferred to animal welfare groups for rehoming has also fallen over the past five years, the Environment and Ecology Bureau told lawmakers on Wednesday. In a written response to the Legislative Council, Secretary for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3370886/nearly-1-3-unattended-dogs-captured-hong-kong-euthanised-year https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3370886/nearly-1-3-unattended-dogs-captured-hong-kong-euthanised-year Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:45:55 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu About 9 per cent of stroke and heart failure cases may be prevented in Hong Kong over the next decade through a government co-care scheme, according to a university projection. Launched in 2023, the Chronic Disease Co-care Scheme has enrolled more than 200,000 residents as of January. Originally a pilot scheme, it was regularised in March, with about 40 per cent of those who completed screening diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension or pre-diabetes. “The co-care scheme effectively enables... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3370615/co-care-scheme-may-help-prevent-9-stroke-heart-failure-cases-next-decade https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3370615/co-care-scheme-may-help-prevent-9-stroke-heart-failure-cases-next-decade Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:41:50 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong police have arrested a 24-year-old man over an alleged scam operation that made more than 23,000 fraudulent calls in over a week by impersonating e-commerce customer service representatives, with one victim losing more than HK$100,000 (US$12,741). The force said on Sunday that the man was suspected of operating a call centre for a syndicate that posed as online shopping platform staff and tricked victims into transferring money for a variety of reasons. Senior Inspector of the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3370488/man-arrested-after-23000-bogus-customer-service-scam-calls-over-week https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3370488/man-arrested-after-23000-bogus-customer-service-scam-calls-over-week Sun, 11 Oct 2026 08:19:30 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Environmentalists and academics have voiced concerns over the omission of a systemic heat-health action plan in Hong Kong’s first five-year plan and latest policy address, warning that relying on “common sense” is failing to protect vulnerable residents from rising temperatures. Their comments came as new research from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) found that extreme heat might have contributed to as many as 3,238 excess deaths in the city over 10-year study period. In response to the South... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3370406/lack-heat-action-plan-leaves-hong-kongs-vulnerable-residents-risk-experts-warn https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3370406/lack-heat-action-plan-leaves-hong-kongs-vulnerable-residents-risk-experts-warn Sat, 10 Oct 2026 01:00:11 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu About 100 incidents of visitors catching sea cucumbers and digging up sea snails and clams were recorded at a popular spot in Hong Kong’s Unesco-listed geopark on a single day of the National Day “golden week”, a green group has found, following similar incidents last year. The Po Pin Chau section of the High Island Geo Trail in Sai Kung was also strewn with rubbish on a separate day, Greenpeace said on Tuesday. At nearby Long Ke Beach, the group recorded nearly 90 instances of environmentally... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369939/greenpeace-catches-hong-kong-geopark-golden-week-visitors-damaging-marine-life https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369939/greenpeace-catches-hong-kong-geopark-golden-week-visitors-damaging-marine-life Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:39:35 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong’s Generation Y residents – those aged 30 to 45 – are the city’s unhappiest age group, largely because of dissatisfaction with economic and housing conditions, a poll has found. The Hong Kong Happiness Index stood at 5.87 out of 10, according to a survey of 1,039 adults conducted by HK.WeCare, an initiative under non-profit organisation Wofoo Social Enterprises. The score remained below the passing level for a fourth consecutive year, despite an overall upward trend since 2024. More... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369930/hong-kongs-generation-y-unhappiest-amid-housing-and-economic-pressures-poll-finds https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369930/hong-kongs-generation-y-unhappiest-amid-housing-and-economic-pressures-poll-finds Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:28:45 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong health authorities will deploy on-site staff and step up support via a dedicated hotline for patients visiting Kai Tak Hospital amid booking and transport queries as the city’s largest public hospital begins its phased opening. From Monday, Kai Tak Hospital’s family medicine integrated centre will start operations, while specialist outpatient services and automated features in the hospital’s blood-taking services are scheduled to launch in late October. Dr Eric Cheung Fuk-chi, cluster... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369714/site-staff-hotline-deployed-kai-tak-hospital-starts-phased-operations https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369714/site-staff-hotline-deployed-kai-tak-hospital-starts-phased-operations Sun, 04 Oct 2026 12:19:11 +0000 Jess Ma,Theodora Yu Jess Ma,Theodora Yu A pilot scheme to import hundreds of foreign domestic carers from next year to look after elderly Hongkongers has sparked concern among both helpers and employers after the city’s labour minister revealed further details, including the salary level. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said on Sunday that the carers would be equipped with both specialised elderly care skills and general domestic capabilities, and would first need to complete a 150-hour course in their home... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369701/hong-kong-set-begin-importing-hundreds-carers-second-half-2027 https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369701/hong-kong-set-begin-importing-hundreds-carers-second-half-2027 Sun, 04 Oct 2026 10:22:26 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Nearly 150 companies have reduced packaging material equivalent to the weight of about 900 double-decker buses over the past year after taking part in a government charter on waste reduction launched in Hong Kong in 2025. A-1 Bakery, Watsons Water and SF Express Hong Kong were among 75 firms recognised for their efforts at an award ceremony on Wednesday, following an assessment by the Environmental Protection Department on five criteria, including packaging recyclability and promoting the use of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369367/nearly-150-firms-hong-kong-cut-packaging-waste-equal-weight-900-buses https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3369367/nearly-150-firms-hong-kong-cut-packaging-waste-equal-weight-900-buses Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:42:27 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Less than 0.5 per cent of registered Hong Kong nurses received their training outside the city, while 99.8 per cent of those working in public hospitals are locally trained, health authorities have said amid a growing row with a trade union over employment concerns. The latest figures were released on Tuesday after the city’s health minister repeatedly rejected claims that authorities had favoured mainland Chinese nurses over local candidates. On Saturday, the Association of Hong Kong Nursing... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369171/05-nurses-trained-outside-hong-kong-authorities-say-amid-hiring-row https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369171/05-nurses-trained-outside-hong-kong-authorities-say-amid-hiring-row Tue, 29 Sep 2026 07:18:58 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong police have clamped down on bicycle-related offences in Tseung Kwan O, with seven teenagers facing prosecution for allegedly failing to display bike lights at night and cycling on pavements. In a social media post on Saturday, police in Tseung Kwan O district said officers had recently issued summonses to seven boys, aged 14 to 17, as part of an enforcement operation. The force said the seven teens were facing prosecution for allegedly failing to display a front white light and a rear... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3368949/7-teens-swept-police-crackdown-bicycle-related-offences-tseung-kwan-o https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3368949/7-teens-swept-police-crackdown-bicycle-related-offences-tseung-kwan-o Sun, 27 Sep 2026 09:53:29 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu A planned supercomputing hub at the Northern Metropolis megadevelopment in Hong Kong’s border area will start phased operations earlier than expected in mid-2027, according to electricity supplier CLP Power. The power supplier said it had sufficient capacity to support energy demand not only for the Sandy Ridge data facility cluster, but for the equivalent of three to four supercomputing centres of a similar scale over the next decade. CLP added it planned to procure more zero-carbon energy from... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368520/northern-metropolis-data-hub-start-phased-operations-mid-2027-clp-power https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368520/northern-metropolis-data-hub-start-phased-operations-mid-2027-clp-power Wed, 23 Sep 2026 10:02:12 +0000 Eric Jiang,Theodora Yu Eric Jiang,Theodora Yu Poor treatment of guard dogs at warehouses before ditching them in unfamiliar environments could make the animals easier to agitate, rescuers have said, calling for a “trap, neuter and release” approach, among other solutions. Concerns about the handling of stray dogs entered the media spotlight after a 27-year-old woman was discovered along a cycle path in Yuen Long after suffering lacerations to her head, face, neck, arms and legs. She was later pronounced dead at Pok Oi Hospital. On Saturday... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368433/shelters-warn-against-poor-treatment-warehouse-guard-dogs-new-territories https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368433/shelters-warn-against-poor-treatment-warehouse-guard-dogs-new-territories Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:30:15 +0000 Theodora Yu,Lo Hoi-ying Theodora Yu,Lo Hoi-ying The death of a cyclist in a suspected canine attack in Hong Kong’s Yuen Long on Saturday night has sparked fierce discussion on social media, with users sharing similar encounters and debating how to stay safe. The woman was discovered along Pok Wai South Road in the early hours of Sunday. She had suffered lacerations to her head, face, neck, arms and legs, with the wounds to her head and neck believed to have been fatal. Nearly a month earlier, a 33-year-old dog handler was found dead near her... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368419/fatal-dog-attacks-trigger-safety-fears-hong-kong-heres-how-protect-yourself https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368419/fatal-dog-attacks-trigger-safety-fears-hong-kong-heres-how-protect-yourself Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:59:11 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Animal welfare groups in Hong Kong have called for a legal loophole in pet ownership laws to be closed to better protect public safety, after authorities pledged to review stray dog policies following Sunday’s suspected fatal mauling of a woman. The groups said that, based on their experience, the 27-year-old victim was more likely to have been attacked by former warehouse guard dogs than strays. But existing legal provisions made it difficult to prosecute owners who failed to microchip or... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368298/hong-kong-animal-groups-call-tighter-pet-laws-after-suspected-fatal-mauling https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368298/hong-kong-animal-groups-call-tighter-pet-laws-after-suspected-fatal-mauling Tue, 22 Sep 2026 00:30:07 +0000 Leopold Chen,Theodora Yu,Danny Mok Leopold Chen,Theodora Yu,Danny Mok Hong Kong’s environment chief has vowed to review government policies on handling stray dogs after a cyclist was killed in a suspected canine attack in Yuen Long, while an insider has said that bite-mark analyses and DNA tests are being conducted on three dogs captured by authorities to confirm whether any were involved in the deadly incident. Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan made the promise on Monday morning, months after shelters warned of pets being abandoned in the New... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368192/3-stray-mongrels-captured-after-cyclist-dies-suspected-dog-attack https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368192/3-stray-mongrels-captured-after-cyclist-dies-suspected-dog-attack Mon, 21 Sep 2026 02:23:07 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong customs has seized about 13kg of suspected ketamine, worth an estimated HK$4.7 million (US$599,067), at the city’s airport and arrested a passenger arriving from Germany for alleged drug trafficking. According to the Customs and Excise Department, officers found the suspected ketamine in the checked luggage of a 22-year-old Japanese man who arrived in Hong Kong from Frankfurt on Sunday. “During customs clearance, customs officers found about 13kg of suspected ketamine inside his... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3368161/hong-kong-customs-seizes-13kg-suspected-ketamine-airport-man-arrested https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3368161/hong-kong-customs-seizes-13kg-suspected-ketamine-airport-man-arrested Sun, 20 Sep 2026 11:25:37 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong’s education authorities have urged a local secondary school to review its arrangements for events after a post alleging the school banned Cantonese in graduation videos sparked outrage online. In a response to the South China Morning Post on Sunday, the government said the school had activated its crisis management team to follow up on the issue and sent an email to all teachers and students to clarify the matter. “The Education Bureau has urged the school to review the relevant event... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368157/hong-kong-school-told-review-rules-after-outrage-over-cantonese-ban-videos https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368157/hong-kong-school-told-review-rules-after-outrage-over-cantonese-ban-videos Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:57:57 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong has pledged to boost the share of zero-carbon energy in its electricity generation fuel mix to 30 per cent by 2030, up from the current 28 per cent – one of four binding environmental protection targets set out in the city’s first five-year plan on Wednesday. The binding goal aligns with existing climate protection strategies that target a zero-carbon energy share of between 60 and 70 per cent by 2035, as part of the city’s broader push towards carbon neutrality by 2050. “With these... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3367742/hong-kong-aims-raise-zero-carbon-energy-share-fuel-mix-30-2030 https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3367742/hong-kong-aims-raise-zero-carbon-energy-share-fuel-mix-30-2030 Wed, 16 Sep 2026 12:02:04 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Disposable sanitary pads sold in Hong Kong have shown wide discrepancies in absorption speeds, with more than half of tested products also lacking adequate labelling, the consumer watchdog has found. The Consumer Council revealed the test results for 36 winged sanitary towels on Monday, including a sample that took 73 seconds to fully absorb simulated menstrual blood – exceeding the mainland China national standard recommendation of no more than 60 seconds. “The council calls on suppliers to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367411/huge-gaps-sanitary-pad-absorption-speeds-over-half-poorly-labelled-survey https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367411/huge-gaps-sanitary-pad-absorption-speeds-over-half-poorly-labelled-survey Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:37:41 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu A lunch supplier will stop portioning meals in classrooms at a Hong Kong primary school following a suspected food poisoning outbreak that hit 39 pupils and staff members last week. Danny Catering Service said in a statement on Sunday to its school partners, parents and teachers that the incident was “isolated” and linked to the school’s portioning arrangement, and did not affect its services at other locations. “To ensure student food safety and avoid potential cross-contamination or... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3367363/supplier-end-classroom-lunch-portioning-sha-tin-primary-after-39-fall-ill https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3367363/supplier-end-classroom-lunch-portioning-sha-tin-primary-after-39-fall-ill Sun, 13 Sep 2026 13:02:45 +0000 Leopold Chen,Theodora Yu Leopold Chen,Theodora Yu In the third of our series of previews on the five-year plan and policy address, to be announced on September 16, Leopold Chen and Theodora Yu look at how the city can raise its game and expand the adoption of artificial intelligence. Read part one here and part two here. Spotting bags of construction waste illegally dumped near a temporary refuse collection point in Hong Kong’s Southern district last year, former lawmaker and resident Michael Tien Puk‑sun immediately dialled the government’s... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367250/hong-kong-lagging-ai-race-can-it-raise-its-game-and-how https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367250/hong-kong-lagging-ai-race-can-it-raise-its-game-and-how Sat, 12 Sep 2026 04:00:15 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu A 61-year-old man died in hospital on Thursday after collapsing on board a Hong Kong train earlier in the morning. Police said they received a report at 7.39am from passengers who found the man collapsed on a Central-bound train as it arrived at Cheung Sha Wan station. The incident temporarily disrupted MTR services along the Tsuen Wan line. The force added that firefighters and paramedics had arrived and found the man unconscious. He was rushed to Caritas Medical Centre in Sham Shui Po and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367012/man-61-dies-hospital-after-collapsing-board-hong-kong-train https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367012/man-61-dies-hospital-after-collapsing-board-hong-kong-train Thu, 10 Sep 2026 06:10:22 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu A 23-month-old girl born with heart and brain conditions has died after her parents found her unresponsive in their Hong Kong flat, the South China Morning Post has learned. Police said they received a report from the infant’s mother at 5.30am, saying her daughter had passed out at their public housing flat at 20 Olympic Avenue in Kai Tak. Paramedics arrived shortly afterwards and found the girl unconscious, with no pulse. She was taken to Kwong Wah Hospital in Yau Ma Tei, where she was... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366994/toddler-heart-and-brain-conditions-dies-after-being-found-unresponsive-bed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366994/toddler-heart-and-brain-conditions-dies-after-being-found-unresponsive-bed Thu, 10 Sep 2026 03:50:16 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hundreds of Nepalis in Hong Kong gathered on Monday to pay tribute to thousands of victims of the flash flood in their homeland, marking the traditional 13th day of mourning since the disaster struck. The hour-long programme, organised by local community groups with support from the Nepalese consulate, coincided with a national day of mourning in Nepal on September 7. Addressing the crowd, Satish Gurung, the acting consul general for Nepal in Hong Kong, said it was a “very difficult time” for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366681/hong-kongs-nepalis-gather-prayers-13th-day-flood-mourning https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366681/hong-kongs-nepalis-gather-prayers-13th-day-flood-mourning Mon, 07 Sep 2026 14:45:34 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong authorities will review a new reservation system for a Sai Kung trail famed for its dramatic volcanic rock columns after the National Day “golden week” in October, following large numbers of no-shows during the first two trial runs. Only 1,560 registered and walk-in patrons arrived at Po Pin Chau on Saturday and Sunday, despite 3,230 people having made bookings under the real-name reservation system. Lawmakers and a district councillor have called for more on-site quotas, clearer... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3366560/hong-kong-review-bookings-famous-sai-kung-trail-after-high-no-show-rate https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3366560/hong-kong-review-bookings-famous-sai-kung-trail-after-high-no-show-rate Sun, 06 Sep 2026 14:13:33 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Inside a pre-war building in the heart of Hong Kong’s busy Wan Chai, coffee, curios and Cantopop are now the fresh attractions breathing new energy into a historic pawn shop that closed its doors two years ago. As the nostalgic tunes of late Cantopop legend Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing spin on vinyl and fill the air, curious passers-by step inside to see the shop – located in the venerable tong lau or tenement building – that has been granted a new lease on life. Built in 1924, the four-storey... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366250/historic-hong-kong-pawn-shop-gets-new-lease-life-vibrant-community-space https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366250/historic-hong-kong-pawn-shop-gets-new-lease-life-vibrant-community-space Thu, 03 Sep 2026 10:23:24 +0000 Theodora Yu,Danny Mok Theodora Yu,Danny Mok A Hong Kong man has surrendered his dog after authorities detained it and classified it as a fighting breed – the third known case in a week following a spate of attacks in the city. The case came as animal welfare groups called for clarity on the government’s breed-classification procedures and a transparent appeal mechanism. They warned that heightened anxiety could lead to more pet abandonment and unfair stereotyping of certain breeds. Jacqueline Cheung, founder of the non-profit Love Adopt... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366019/welfare-groups-seek-clarity-breed-classification-amid-third-fighting-dog-case https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3366019/welfare-groups-seek-clarity-breed-classification-amid-third-fighting-dog-case Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:00:02 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Around a hundred patrons packed a bar in Central on Monday night to raise funds for victims of catastrophic flash floods and mudslides in Nepal, as members of Hong Kong’s Nepalese community rallied to support relief efforts for their homeland. The death toll in Nepal had risen to 919 as of 1pm on Monday, with 4,247 people still missing, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported. The disaster struck on Wednesday when a massive wall of mud and rock collapsed into a river along the Himalayan border... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365888/central-bar-packed-hongkongers-aim-raise-hk50000-nepal-flood-relief https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3365888/central-bar-packed-hongkongers-aim-raise-hk50000-nepal-flood-relief Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:35:50 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong authorities have arrested 50 people, including some with alleged triad backgrounds, in a crackdown on bid-rigging activities involving 27 housing estates and buildings and about HK$500 million (US$64.1 million) in contracts. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), police and antitrust regulator the Competition Commission on Monday revealed details of their joint operation, which was conducted last week. The ICAC said the suspects included the alleged mastermind and core... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3365859/50-arrested-hk500m-building-maintenance-bid-rigging-crackdown https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3365859/50-arrested-hk500m-building-maintenance-bid-rigging-crackdown Mon, 31 Aug 2026 10:26:23 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong’s outdoor workers could still lack adequate rest under the revamped heat stress warning system, a lawmaker and a construction industry representative have said, adding that work breaks triggered by higher alerts are not protected by law. The response followed the Labour Department’s announcement on Thursday that it had updated the Heat Stress at Work Warning system to better safeguard workers, after the mechanism was criticised for not triggering higher-tier alerts during... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3365560/revised-heat-stress-warning-system-may-lack-rest-provisions-industry-experts https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3365560/revised-heat-stress-warning-system-may-lack-rest-provisions-industry-experts Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:05:33 +0000 Edith Lin,Theodora Yu Edith Lin,Theodora Yu Yung, an elderly Hong Kong resident, has spent hours hanging out at a neighbourhood shopping centre in Kwai Chung all summer. But he has not been going there to shop, instead taking refuge from the sweltering heat in the mall’s soothing air-conditioned arcade. The retiree, who lives in a 100 sq ft subdivided flat with his wife, is reluctant to use the air conditioner for long periods to avoid a hefty electricity bill, despite the hot and stuffy weather in recent weeks. “There have been more... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3365367/hong-kong-faces-more-heatwaves-what-must-be-done-make-city-more-resilient https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3365367/hong-kong-faces-more-heatwaves-what-must-be-done-make-city-more-resilient Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Nearly 80 per cent of low-income elderly people surveyed in Hong Kong reported physical or mental distress during periods of extreme heat, prompting calls for stronger government support and heat-prevention measures. Data from the Department of Health cited by Greenpeace identified elderly people as the city’s demographic most at risk from extreme temperatures. The number of hospital discharges and deaths related to heatstroke among people aged 65 or above rose 16-fold between 2015 and 2024,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3365037/78-low-income-elderly-hongkongers-report-heat-related-distress-survey-finds https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3365037/78-low-income-elderly-hongkongers-report-heat-related-distress-survey-finds Mon, 24 Aug 2026 06:57:09 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Half of Hong Kong’s government departments and public bodies have not disclosed their greenhouse gas emissions data and some calculations have been based on outdated information, a green group has found. The findings from The Green Earth have prompted calls for stronger carbon reporting and the setting of reduction targets across the public sector to align with the city’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality before 2050. The non-profit group’s study of 82 public entities found that while 41... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364987/half-hong-kongs-public-bodies-omit-emissions-data-green-group-finds https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364987/half-hong-kongs-public-bodies-omit-emissions-data-green-group-finds Mon, 24 Aug 2026 02:00:22 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong’s hygiene authorities are investigating two officers caught smoking in public while in uniform, an act that is prohibited, stressing that such behaviour will result in disciplinary action. A viral clip circulating on social media platform Threads shows two men in uniform smoking cigarettes in what appears to be a back alley in the daytime. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department confirmed on Monday evening that the men seen in the video clip belonged to one of its district hawker... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364329/2-hygiene-officers-under-investigation-smoking-public-while-uniform https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3364329/2-hygiene-officers-under-investigation-smoking-public-while-uniform Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:20:15 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Two Hong Kong universities have secured places in the top 100 of an academic ranking that assesses 1,000 institutions worldwide. The University of Hong Kong (HKU) rose five places from 67th last year to 62nd, while City University (CityU) climbed four places from 99th to 95th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities, released by ShanghaiRanking Consultancy on Saturday. Launched in 2003, the annual ranking was initially published by Shanghai Jiao Tong University before ShanghaiRanking... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/education/article/3364200/university-hong-kong-cityu-secure-spots-global-university-top-100 https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/education/article/3364200/university-hong-kong-cityu-secure-spots-global-university-top-100 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 12:20:24 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong will fly the national and regional flags at half-staff at various government sites on Tuesday to mourn the late former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji. The government said on Sunday it would lower the flags at government headquarters in Admiralty, Government House, all control points and checkpoints at border crossings and Hong Kong International Airport. The tribute will be paid on the day of Zhu’s cremation, in accordance with a notice issued by state news agency Xinhua. It said that... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3364184/flags-fly-half-staff-hong-kong-tribute-late-ex-premier-zhu-rongji https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3364184/flags-fly-half-staff-hong-kong-tribute-late-ex-premier-zhu-rongji Sun, 16 Aug 2026 09:54:02 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong’s lush forests are teeming with more wildlife ranging from birds arriving from neighbouring regions to newly discovered reptile species, experts have found, as they urge authorities to devise a conservation list to protect vulnerable local species. The call by the city’s conservationists to formulate a “red list” – a long-awaited measure since 2014 – coincided with National Ecology Day on Saturday. Marking the occasion, Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364127/hong-kongs-biodiversity-richer-we-know-many-species-lack-protection https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3364127/hong-kongs-biodiversity-richer-we-know-many-species-lack-protection Sat, 15 Aug 2026 04:00:18 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu Hong Kong residents have borne the brunt of extreme weather this summer, with July rainfall exceeding the monthly norm by 23 per cent, followed by hot spells in August linked to Tropical Cyclone Dolphin’s influence. As of Thursday, the maximum temperature recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory reached 33 degrees Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) or above for nine consecutive days, marking the longest streak of very hot days for the month of August. A green group warned in July that scorching days and hot... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363953/why-hong-kongs-heat-stress-warning-system-outdoor-workers-hot-seat https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363953/why-hong-kongs-heat-stress-warning-system-outdoor-workers-hot-seat Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:39:41 +0000 Theodora Yu Theodora Yu At a bustling fruit store in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay, a crowd of workers sporting damp towels around their necks or fan vests buy up chilled drinks to stay hydrated as temperatures hit 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 Fahrenheit) on a busy weekday morning. Soaked in sweat, 29-year-old construction worker Yau is among the crowd, buying a litre of water to help beat the heat on Wednesday. “I spend at least HK$100 a day on water lately. It is expensive, and I get poor just drinking water to survive the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363901/how-hong-kong-can-protect-manual-workers-bearing-brunt-heatwave https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363901/how-hong-kong-can-protect-manual-workers-bearing-brunt-heatwave Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:30:06 +0000 Theodora Yu,Ng Kang-chung,Kristen Cheung Theodora Yu,Ng Kang-chung,Kristen Cheung Hong Kong labour authorities have pledged to review the city’s heat stress warning system, a day after the lowest-level alert for outdoor workers was issued despite record-breaking temperatures, prompting questions about the index’s effectiveness The pledge on Monday followed calls from experts for the government to adopt an international measurement that gives greater weight to direct sunlight, and to increase the number of heat stress monitoring stations so that all districts are covered and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363571/hong-kong-review-warning-system-after-record-heat-triggers-lowest-alert https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363571/hong-kong-review-warning-system-after-record-heat-triggers-lowest-alert Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:04:36 +0000 Kristen Cheung,Emily Hung,Theodora Yu Kristen Cheung,Emily Hung,Theodora Yu Families sought refuge in snow parks and shopping centres on Sunday as Hong Kong sweltered through its hottest day in 142 years, while many domestic helpers said they had no choice but to stay outside in the blistering heat. The city recorded the highest temperature since records began in 1884 in the afternoon under the influence of Severe Typhoon Dolphin. The Hong Kong Observatory said subsiding air on the outer edge of Dolphin brought generally fine and extremely hot weather to Guangdong... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363429/hong-kong-breaks-record-hottest-day-typhoon-dolphin-brings-extreme-heat https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3363429/hong-kong-breaks-record-hottest-day-typhoon-dolphin-brings-extreme-heat Sun, 09 Aug 2026 05:21:38 +0000