https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/rss/526113/feed Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered his fifth policy address alongside the city's first-ever five-year plan on September 16, 2026. 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 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?utm_source=rss_feed 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?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Oct 2026 01:00:11 +0000 Edith Lin,Wynna Wong Edith Lin,Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s legislature has passed motions supporting the city’s first five-year plan and thanking Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu for his latest policy address, while Beijing’s top representative in the city urged mainland Chinese enterprises to align themselves with the government’s blueprint. At the close of a three-day Legislative Council debate on Friday, Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki thanked lawmakers for their suggestions, saying they would help improve governance. “The process of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3370401/hong-kong-lawmakers-back-5-year-plan-firms-urged-align-blueprint?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3370401/hong-kong-lawmakers-back-5-year-plan-firms-urged-align-blueprint?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:44:17 +0000 Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s economy continued to expand in the third quarter of this year, driven by strong exports and tourism, the finance chief has said, while warning of risks including the Middle East war and global inflation. Addressing lawmakers during a debate on the city’s first five-year plan and annual policy blueprint on Wednesday, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also reiterated that he was confident the economy would grow by between 3.5 per cent and 4.5 per cent this year. He noted that gross... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3370061/hong-kong-finance-chief-says-economy-grew-third-quarter-warns-external-risks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3370061/hong-kong-finance-chief-says-economy-grew-third-quarter-warns-external-risks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Oct 2026 10:00:33 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s leader has urged residents to pay close attention to a coming three-day debate on the city’s inaugural five-year plan and latest policy address in the legislature. The debate on the two policy documents is set to begin on Wednesday morning and continue until Friday, according to the Legislative Council’s agenda. “I look forward to tomorrow’s Legislative Council debate, during which government officials and lawmakers will conduct an in-depth discussion on the concept and details of... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3369875/john-lee-urges-public-tune-legco-debate-citys-5-year-plan-policy-address?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3369875/john-lee-urges-public-tune-legco-debate-citys-5-year-plan-policy-address?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Oct 2026 05:10:59 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong has unveiled a four-step artificial intelligence (AI) “talent ladder” strategy to counter entry-level job shock and foster industry leaders by treating the technology as a “catalyst, not a threat”. Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Kevin Choi Kit-ming warned on Monday that the “entry-level shock” was genuine because AI performed well in many routine tasks that traditionally formed the core of a graduate’s initial role, such as basic coding and first-line... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3369751/hong-kong-outlines-four-step-ai-talent-ladder-offset-entry-level-job-shock?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3369751/hong-kong-outlines-four-step-ai-talent-ladder-offset-entry-level-job-shock?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:16:27 +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?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3369701/hong-kong-set-begin-importing-hundreds-carers-second-half-2027?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Oct 2026 10:22:26 +0000 Wynna Wong,Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng Wynna Wong,Edith Lin,Matthew Cheng Hong Kong marked National Day on Thursday with discounts, free rides and a fireworks display that drew huge crowds to Victoria Harbour, while the chief executive emphasised the city’s international role and its first five-year plan. About 380,000 spectators packed both sides of the harbour for the 23-minute fireworks show in the evening, as businesses dished out dining discounts and shopping deals, while some transport operators provided free rides. More than 3,800 restaurants offered up to 30... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3369412/hong-kongs-5-year-plan-underlines-dna-global-city-market-economy-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3369412/hong-kongs-5-year-plan-underlines-dna-global-city-market-economy-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:03:58 +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 chief executive’s latest policy address proposes to set up an “AI City Brain”, an integrated management system that links and consolidates relevant big data collected by departments with city governance matters. I strongly welcome this. With extreme weather becoming more... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3369279/hong-kong-need-not-build-its-ai-city-brain-scratch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3369279/hong-kong-need-not-build-its-ai-city-brain-scratch?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:30:07 +0000 James Liang James Liang Hong Kong’s first five-year plan and latest policy address have put demographic sustainability on the public agenda. Among the measures announced are an extension of the newborn bonus scheme and increased financial support for the second and subsequent children. These are welcome steps. But the fertility debate should not be reduced to whether a bonus is large enough to change family decisions. The bigger challenge is whether Hong Kong can remain dynamic and competitive while its younger... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368854/raising-hong-kongs-birth-rate-economic-imperative?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368854/raising-hong-kongs-birth-rate-economic-imperative?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Sep 2026 01:30:06 +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?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3369094/hong-kong-moves-right-direction-minors-social-media-use?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 23:15:13 +0000 Ken Ip Ken Ip When Hong Kong’s first chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, announced his housing plan in 1997, the ambition was extraordinary. The government would produce at least 85,000 flats a year across the public and private sectors, and raise the home ownership rate to 70 per cent. The idea was simple. Build more homes, make housing more affordable and allow more families to own a piece of Hong Kong. Then history intervened. The Asian financial crisis struck. Property prices collapsed. The economy weakened.... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368422/how-hong-kong-trying-new-solution-its-land-value-problem?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368422/how-hong-kong-trying-new-solution-its-land-value-problem?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Sep 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Simpson Cheung Simpson Cheung Hong Kong authorities will delay a proposed legal amendment to protect copyrighted works from being used to train artificial intelligence (AI) models and will issue operational guidelines first, the South China Morning Post has learned. The Copyright (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aimed to introduce an “opt-out” mechanism for text and data mining to support AI technology development, was originally scheduled to be submitted to the Legislative Council in the first half of last year. The item was... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368913/hong-kong-delays-ai-copyright-law-focus-guidelines-first?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368913/hong-kong-delays-ai-copyright-law-focus-guidelines-first?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 27 Sep 2026 08:00:16 +0000 Vivian Au Vivian Au Hong Kong will fast-track key Northern Metropolis roads, bringing forward the San Tin highway section to 2034 and targeting 2033 for the Tsing Lung Bridge, but a transport expert and lawmaker have cautioned that the first arrivals could still end up stranded. Infrastructure projects could lag behind developments such as the Hung Shui Kiu University Town, they said, suggesting the government launch express bus routes and build the Central Rail Link as soon as possible to ensure connectivity. A... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3368850/hong-kong-fast-tracking-northern-metropolis-links-will-they-be-ready-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3368850/hong-kong-fast-tracking-northern-metropolis-links-will-they-be-ready-time?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Sep 2026 04:00:14 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Introducing legislation to protect minors by regulating social media use is among the options on the table, Hong Kong’s justice minister has said, after the latest policy address unveiled plans to create a task force to review the situation. Speaking to the South China Morning Post and other media outlets on Wednesday, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok dismissed concerns that such measures could infringe on individual rights and freedoms, emphasising that the goal was to protect children... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3368710/legislation-among-options-regulate-minors-social-media-use-justice-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3368710/legislation-among-options-regulate-minors-social-media-use-justice-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:30:12 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hong Kong will admit “only a few hundred” skilled foreign domestic carers for the elderly annually under a new pilot scheme, the welfare minister has said, promising a “rigorous” approach in response to concerns about possible disruptions to the existing helper market. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han also said on Thursday that those recruited under the scheme would need skills equivalent to those of health workers at Hong Kong’s care homes for the elderly. He added that... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368695/hong-kong-only-admit-few-hundred-foreign-carers-year-under-pilot-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368695/hong-kong-only-admit-few-hundred-foreign-carers-year-under-pilot-scheme?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 24 Sep 2026 12:12:39 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong authorities have pledged to take a lenient approach when approving applications for a new scheme granting civil servants 10 to 12 hours of family care leave annually from next year. The initiative, first announced in last week’s annual policy address, will allow staff to leave work temporarily to deal with personal matters, such as accompanying family members to hospital or attending parent-teacher meetings. Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan told a Legislative... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368530/hong-kong-pledges-lenient-approach-10-12-hours-civil-service-family-leave?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368530/hong-kong-pledges-lenient-approach-10-12-hours-civil-service-family-leave?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 11:15:50 +0000 Michael Jinghan Zeng Michael Jinghan Zeng Hong Kong’s first five-year plan gives its universities an opportunity to show what their research can do for the city. Its ambitions for technology, regional development and international cooperation depend on decisions about institutions and people’s lives. Social scientists should help shape those decisions from the outset. The blueprint explicitly addresses public governance, including civil service performance, departmental coordination and digital administration. It also provides for... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368356/hong-kong-needs-social-science-help-deliver-its-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368356/hong-kong-needs-social-science-help-deliver-its-5-year-plan?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 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. I read the chief executive’s policy address delivered last week from its first page to its last and one word never appears: hope. Its 11 mental health measures are all about coping. Two gaps stand out. First, the missing middle. Four of the 11 measures target students, teachers... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3368351/hong-kongs-mental-health-narrative-must-instil-sense-hope?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/letters/article/3368351/hong-kongs-mental-health-narrative-must-instil-sense-hope?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Sep 2026 03:30:05 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong does not need to emulate Singapore’s generous childbirth incentives, a senior official has said, defending the city’s latest 11-measure policy drive to encourage births as a “comprehensive” approach. Addressing concerns that Hong Kong’s approach was too incremental compared with Singapore’s multi-tier sustained funding, Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said on Tuesday that each jurisdiction has its own unique set of circumstances. “Some people ask, ‘Why don’t you learn... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368388/no-need-hong-kong-match-singapores-hk400000-birth-perk-top-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368388/no-need-hong-kong-match-singapores-hk400000-birth-perk-top-official-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Sep 2026 09:36:35 +0000 Jess Ma Jess Ma Representatives of foreign business chambers who met Hong Kong’s leader have said the five-year plan provided clear policy priorities for companies’ strategic planning, but called for more concrete timelines and visible progress on the Northern Metropolis project to attract investment. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu held a briefing on Monday for consuls general and heads of foreign chambers of commerce, during which he stressed that Hong Kong’s five-year plan was not a planned economy. The... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368284/foreign-chambers-back-hong-kong-5-year-plan-urge-progress-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368284/foreign-chambers-back-hong-kong-5-year-plan-urge-progress-northern-metropolis?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:05:09 +0000 Alice Wu Alice Wu For the first time, Hong Kong’s chief executive rolled out his policy address together with a five-year plan for the city. The much anticipated release of these two supremely important documents – the final policy address of John Lee Ka-chiu’s current term as well as the first five-year blueprint in the city’s history – cements a road map for Hong Kong for the next five years. There were few surprises, although there shouldn’t have been. By combining the consultations for the five-year plan and... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367992/hong-kongs-five-year-plan-plays-it-too-safe?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367992/hong-kongs-five-year-plan-plays-it-too-safe?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 21 Sep 2026 01:30:05 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s first five-year plan will give businesses greater certainty to make long-term investment decisions amid a volatile external environment, the city’s finance chief has said. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the plan’s targets and timelines would allow companies to see the city’s direction over the next five years and better align their plans with the government’s. “The significance of planning lies not only in the document itself, but also in looking at today from the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368141/hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan-give-firms-more-long-term-certainty-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368141/hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan-give-firms-more-long-term-certainty-paul-chan?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 20 Sep 2026 06:12:19 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau A southbound scheme allowing Guangdong-registered yachts to sail in Hong Kong waters is expected to launch in October, the transport minister has said, with the city continuing preparations and discussions with provincial authorities. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan revealed the plan on Saturday after the annual policy address and the city’s first five-year plan, both unveiled this week, set out proposals to develop the yacht economy. “The southbound travel scheme for yachts... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368098/hong-kong-open-waters-guangdong-yachts-under-southbound-scheme-october?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368098/hong-kong-open-waters-guangdong-yachts-under-southbound-scheme-october?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 07:15:03 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong’s leader has defended measures in his policy address to boost the economy and improve livelihoods, stressing that businesses must also do their part to remain competitive and survive, even with government aid. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Saturday that the section on livelihoods was the longest and broadest in scope in his policy address when asked about residents who had yet to benefit from the government’s economic policies. “You need to develop the economy first to have... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368093/hong-kong-leader-says-firms-must-strive-survive-despite-government-support?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3368093/hong-kong-leader-says-firms-must-strive-survive-despite-government-support?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 05:42:01 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun A new pilot scheme to bring in foreign domestic carers for the elderly to deal with an ageing population could disrupt Hong Kong’s existing helper market, driving up wages and putting care beyond the reach of low-income older residents, some employers and agencies have warned. They said the measure, announced by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in his policy address on Wednesday, was likely to prompt existing helpers to demand higher pay or quit to take up the new employment opportunity, adding... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368043/foreign-carer-scheme-may-drive-wages-leave-poor-without-help-employers-warn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368043/foreign-carer-scheme-may-drive-wages-leave-poor-without-help-employers-warn?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:15:04 +0000 Ken Chu Ken Chu Hong Kong’s first five-year plan marks a new chapter for the city and will prompt discussion about individual priorities and initiatives. But there is another question worth asking: what can Hong Kong bring to the national journey over the next five years? As China begins its 15th five-year plan, Hong Kong has an opportunity to think more deliberately about its distinctive contribution to national development. Much has been said about Hong Kong’s role as a “superconnector”. The description... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367854/now-hong-kong-must-turn-its-international-edge-national-impact?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3367854/now-hong-kong-must-turn-its-international-edge-national-impact?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Sep 2026 01:30:05 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung,Emily Hung Elizabeth Cheung,Emily Hung Foreign domestic carers brought to Hong Kong to look after elderly residents under a proposed government pilot scheme would receive 10 to 20 per cent more pay than existing helpers, the labour minister has said. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han on Friday revealed additional details about the arrangement for foreign domestic carers, as the government also released a comprehensive report outlining strategies for an ageing society. The report listed 73 measures spanning 11 areas,... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368063/foreign-carers-elderly-get-10-20-more-pay-current-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3368063/foreign-carers-elderly-get-10-20-more-pay-current-helpers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:15:56 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying Hong Kong will begin recruitment for an artificial intelligence (AI) commissioner in the second quarter of next year to assist in drafting policies for the technology and risk governance, with authorities confident the city does not lack suitable talent. Tech authorities on Friday revealed details of the new post under the Digital Policy Office, which will pay between HK$262,125 and HK$278,200 (US$33,414 to US$35,436) a month. Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Kevin... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368048/hong-kong-recruit-ai-chief-mid-2027-confidence-local-talent-pool?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368048/hong-kong-recruit-ai-chief-mid-2027-confidence-local-talent-pool?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:50:59 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s push to develop into a premier gold and commodity trading hub has gained momentum, with local metal storage surpassing 30,000 tonnes, a minister has said, as the administration positions the city as the “must-choose destination” for global capital. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu also said on Friday the government would expand renminbi settlement of payments for mainland Chinese services, such as buying water from the Dongjiang, in a bid to... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368040/hong-kongs-metal-storage-hits-30000-tonnes-push-become-global-commodity-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3368040/hong-kongs-metal-storage-hits-30000-tonnes-push-become-global-commodity-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:02:48 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Hong Kong’s leader has said he does not plan to change the government’s annual target for attracting talent despite the city admitting more than 300,000 people since expanding its drive four years ago. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Friday that about 20 per cent of overall arrivals came from places outside mainland China. “We have met our targets better than we set,” Lee told a phone-in radio programme, days after delivering his policy address and unveiling the city’s first five-year... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367961/hong-kong-talent-schemes-could-add-12-gdp-annually-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367961/hong-kong-talent-schemes-could-add-12-gdp-annually-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:47:01 +0000 https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/series/3367932/factsheet-series-hong-kongs-debut-5-year-plan-and-2026-policy-address?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/series/3367932/factsheet-series-hong-kongs-debut-5-year-plan-and-2026-policy-address?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:15:33 +0000 SCMP Plus SCMP Plus Download the PDF This is the second part of a Factsheet series on Hong Kong’s debut five-year plan and the 2026 policy address. Click here for part one. The series was produced with support from the Hong Kong SAR government. To see the South China Morning Post’s coverage of the five-year plan, click here. This Factsheet will be available in the SCMP print edition on September 21. You can find it at newsstands and convenience stores. For any inquiries, contact printsupport@scmp.com. https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3367925/story-begins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3367925/story-begins?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:00:24 +0000 SCMP Plus SCMP Plus Download the PDF This is the first part of a Factsheet series on Hong Kong’s debut five-year plan and the 2026 policy address. Click here for part two. The series was produced with support from the Hong Kong SAR government. To see the South China Morning Post’s coverage of the five-year plan, click here. This Factsheet will be available in the SCMP print edition on September 21. You can find it at newsstands and convenience stores. For any inquiries, contact printsupport@scmp.com. https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3367923/hong-kongs-new-chapter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3367923/hong-kongs-new-chapter?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:00:18 +0000 SCMP SCMP This is the second part of a Factsheet series on Hong Kong’s debut five-year plan and the 2026 policy address. Click here for part one. The series was produced with support from the Hong Kong SAR government. To see the South China Morning Post’s coverage of the five-year plan, click here. This Factsheet will be available in the SCMP print edition on September 21. You can find it at newsstands and convenience stores. For any inquiries, contact printsupport@scmp.com. https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/plus/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367918/story-begins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/plus/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367918/story-begins?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:01:09 +0000 SCMP SCMP This is the first part of a Factsheet series on Hong Kong’s debut five-year plan and the 2026 policy address. Click here for part two. The series was produced with support from the Hong Kong SAR government. To see the South China Morning Post’s coverage of the five-year plan, click here. This Factsheet will be available in the SCMP print edition on September 21. You can find it at newsstands and convenience stores. For any inquiries, contact printsupport@scmp.com. https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/plus/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367919/hong-kongs-new-chapter?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/plus/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367919/hong-kongs-new-chapter?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Sep 2026 01:00:05 +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?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367862/hong-kong-and-china-wont-genuflect-silicon-valleys-moral-panic-over-ai?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 23:15:07 +0000 William Yiu William Yiu Tertiary institutions seeking to establish campuses in one of three university towns planned for the Northern Metropolis megaproject will be given “favourable consideration” if they do not require a government loan to build their facilities, Hong Kong’s education minister has said. The government has expanded all three university towns – formally named in Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s annual policy address on Wednesday – and opened applications for interested institutions to submit their... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/education/article/3367902/self-funded-campuses-favoured-hong-kongs-new-university-towns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/education/article/3367902/self-funded-campuses-favoured-hong-kongs-new-university-towns?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:25:55 +0000 Edith Lin Edith Lin Hong Kong’s plan to raise its gold holdings will further cement the city’s status as an international financial centre, with the possibility of building vaults in the Northern Metropolis megadevelopment, according to authorities. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also said on Thursday the city was under “no pressure” to raise interest rates following a US rate hike, but stressed authorities would “keep a close watch” on the situation. Speaking at a conference the day after the policy address... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367894/hong-kong-eyeing-gold-expansion-and-northern-metropolis-vaults-cement-hub-status?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367894/hong-kong-eyeing-gold-expansion-and-northern-metropolis-vaults-cement-hub-status?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:03:26 +0000 Emily Hung Emily Hung Hong Kong will be short of 130,000 workers by 2028, about a third less than originally projected, a reduction the city’s labour chief attributed to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and government policies to import labour and top talent. A day after the release of the city’s first five-year plan and annual policy address, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han said on Thursday that authorities would exempt start-up founders approved under the Top Talent Pass Scheme... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367871/hong-kong-will-lack-130000-workers-2028-fewer-projected-due-talent-policies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367871/hong-kong-will-lack-130000-workers-2028-fewer-projected-due-talent-policies?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:14:08 +0000 Daisy Wu Daisy Wu Hong Kong is broadening its equity markets, deepening its offshore yuan business and expanding further into gold trading under its first five-year plan for economic and social development, as the city seeks to defend its standing as Asia’s top financial centre and close the gap with London. Unveiled on Wednesday by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu alongside his 2026 policy address, the blueprint outlines a package of financial plans to “consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/business/banking-finance/article/3367816/how-hong-kongs-new-5-year-plan-courts-global-capital-eye-market-dominance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/business/banking-finance/article/3367816/how-hong-kongs-new-5-year-plan-courts-global-capital-eye-market-dominance?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 07:00:09 +0000 Eric Jiang,Simpson Cheung Eric Jiang,Simpson Cheung Hong Kong aims to expand the number of global destinations connected to its airport from 220 to 240 by 2030, with authorities exploring the launch of routes to Uzbekistan. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu unveiled the goal in the city’s first five-year plan, stating authorities would explore aviation partnerships with 10 or more countries each year between 2026 and 2030, with at least 40 per cent involving nations belonging to the Belt and Road Initiative. Beijing launched the initiative in 2013... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367830/hong-kong-airport-records-10-passenger-growth-cargo-falls-second-month?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367830/hong-kong-airport-records-10-passenger-growth-cargo-falls-second-month?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:23:12 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Simpson Cheung Matthew Cheng,Simpson Cheung Hong Kong’s proposed “AI city brain” will cost HK$200 million (US$25.5 million) for the first phase and will connect to the police’s citywide security camera network, authorities have revealed, while stressing that the new system would not be used for crime detection or the surveillance of residents. Speaking at a Legislative Council question and answer session on Thursday following his annual policy address a day earlier, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also emphasised the system would not tap... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367829/hong-kongs-ai-city-brain-will-not-tap-personal-data-breach-privacy-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367829/hong-kongs-ai-city-brain-will-not-tap-personal-data-breach-privacy-john-lee?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 06:17:46 +0000 Wynna Wong,Matthew Cheng Wynna Wong,Matthew Cheng Hong Kong’s leader has vowed to examine whether the government can better support women aged over 40 seeking assisted reproductive treatment, while acknowledging that financial incentives alone will not reverse the city’s falling birth rate. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the pledge during a radio phone-in programme on Thursday, when residents described obstacles to having children, including job insecurity, a day after the leader unveiled a raft of measures aimed at boosting the birth... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367815/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-vows-review-ivf-support-women-over-40?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367815/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-vows-review-ivf-support-women-over-40?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:10:51 +0000 SCMP SCMP We have put together stories from our coverage of John Lee’s 2026 policy address. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. 14 key takeaways from John Lee’s policy address, Hong Kong’s first 5-year plan Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has placed deepening integration with mainland China and developing new economic engines centre stage as he unveiled the city’s first-ever five-year plan alongside the last policy address of his term. 2. Hong Kong... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3367802/hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan-john-lees-2026-policy-address-everything-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/article/3367802/hong-kongs-first-5-year-plan-john-lees-2026-policy-address-everything-you-need-know?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:30:06 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang Longer-term vision and policies with continuity mapped out in Hong Kong’s inaugural five-year plan, along with the latest policy blueprint, offer investment opportunities and greater stability for investors, according to experts and commentators. Hong Kong marked a historic milestone on Wednesday when Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu rolled out the city’s first five-year development plan with his fifth policy address to align with China’s long-term national strategy. The explicit directions Lee... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367773/hong-kongs-5-year-plan-policy-continuity-offer-investors-more-stability-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367773/hong-kongs-5-year-plan-policy-continuity-offer-investors-more-stability-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:30:05 +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?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/opinion/comment/article/3367722/dual-policy-plans-will-help-hong-kong-grab-new-opportunities?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:15:07 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong will expand the use of the yuan in areas including gold trading and cross-border payments, as policy blueprints call for the city’s biggest push yet to internationalise the Chinese currency. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Wednesday devoted part of the city’s first five-year plan and his annual policy address to developing a gold trading ecosystem and creating a regional intellectual property trading centre in the city. “We will consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367770/hong-kong-targets-gold-trading-fps-unionpay-link-boost-yuan-use?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367770/hong-kong-targets-gold-trading-fps-unionpay-link-boost-yuan-use?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:37:51 +0000 Elizabeth Cheung Elizabeth Cheung Hong Kong will strive to raise its expenditure on innovation activities to a level equivalent to 3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by around 2030, nearly double the current rate, according to the city’s first five-year plan. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu unveiled the ambitious goal, together with measures to boost frontier technologies, including aerospace research, on Wednesday. Among the 22 indicators laid out in the plan, the government aims to raise the ratio of total domestic... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367767/hong-kong-aims-raise-innovation-spending-3-gdp-about-2030?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/society/article/3367767/hong-kong-aims-raise-innovation-spending-3-gdp-about-2030?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:30:33 +0000 Natalie Wong Natalie Wong Hong Kong’s leader has unveiled the city’s first five-year blueprint, aligned with China’s national development strategy, setting targets to nearly double innovation spending and raise the share of manufacturing and new industries to 5.5 per cent of the economy. In a historically significant new approach, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu prefaced his annual policy address on Wednesday with a comprehensive set of binding and anticipatory or aspirational longer-term targets for Hong Kong up to the... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367768/hong-kong-sets-5-year-plan-double-innovation-spending-boost-new-industries?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3367768/hong-kong-sets-5-year-plan-double-innovation-spending-boost-new-industries?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:23:47 +0000 Simpson Cheung,Eric Jiang Simpson Cheung,Eric Jiang Hong Kong’s leader has expressed renewed support for the local media industry, including strengthening its global reach and reviewing the code of practice for television to ensure it keeps abreast with the times. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the pledges in both the city’s first five-year plan and the policy address he unveiled on Wednesday. In the section on “Develop an East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange” under the five-year plan, Lee said: “We will strengthen... https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367766/hong-kong-leader-vows-support-medias-global-reach-review-tv-practice-code?utm_source=rss_feed https://www-scmp-com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3367766/hong-kong-leader-vows-support-medias-global-reach-review-tv-practice-code?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Sep 2026 14:55:39 +0000