Edition:

TOPIC

Explainers

Home

Politics

Explainers

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Explainers. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Travellers on Hong Kong carriers will not be able to store power banks in overhead compartments. Photo: Getty Images

Hong Kong transport

Explainer | Flying with a power bank? What Hong Kong ban on in-flight use means for you

Rule taking effect in April will cover all four local carriers – Cathay Pacific Airways, HK Express, Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines.

25 Mar 2025 - 7:19PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Explainer | HKwalls 2025: what not to miss at Hong Kong’s street art festival

26 Mar 2025 - 3:22PM

Tibet

Explainer | Why the choice of the next Dalai Lama is such a sensitive issue for Beijing

17 Mar 2025 - 9:26AMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Explainer | Hong Kong is granting Northern Metropolis land to tech firms. Will it pay off?

Financial Secretary Paul Chan earlier announced departure from traditional tender process to entice companies with cutting-edge technology.

16 Mar 2025 - 10:22PM

The new process is excepted to be used for developing the San Tin Technopole. Photo: May Tse

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Explainer | Could indefinite embryo storage lead to a baby boom in Hong Kong?

Proposal would not only offer more flexibility for working women but could also tap into economic potential of the industry.

14 Mar 2025 - 10:18PM

Hong Kong economy

Explainer | It’s last orders at Deliveroo Hong Kong. What about the rest of the industry?

Deliveroo’s exit from Hong Kong market follows intense competition from Keeta and its own financial losses in the city.

12 Mar 2025 - 10:27AMvideocam

Hong Kong transport

Explainer | What you need to know about Hong Kong’s premium taxi fleet

The Post compares the five fleets, which will account for nearly 20 per cent of the total number of taxis in the city, in terms of pricing and features.

5 Mar 2025 - 2:43PM

Taxi Fleet Launching Ceremony takes place at Transport Department Vehicle Examination Complex at Tsing Yi. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Explainer | Should Hong Kong travellers be worried about measles amid resurgence abroad?

Recent imported case sparks fears of outbreak, as the Post looks at how to stay safe locally and when travelling.

2 Mar 2025 - 10:18PM

Hong Kong budget 2025-26

Explainer | Budget 2025: how much will Hong Kong save and does plan differ from past?

From universities and civil service to students and elderly, the Post looks at where finance chief Paul Chan hopes to cut down on spending.

27 Feb 2025 - 7:53PM

Hong Kong budget 2025-26

Explainer | Budget 2025: how public servant pay cuts will impact you and Hong Kong’s finances

The Post examines whether reducing or freezing salaries of 173,000 government employees will help Hong Kong’s fiscal health.

24 Feb 2025 - 10:00AM

Central Government Offices in Tamar. In 2023-24, about HK$94.54 billion, or 60.5 per cent of staff expenditure, went towards paying salaries and allowances. Photo: Sun Yeung

Hong Kong budget 2025-26

Explainer | Can HK$2 transport subsidy cuts help solve Hong Kong’s budget crisis?

About 2.4 million people may be affected by proposals, as experts warn that solutions will not be simple.

23 Feb 2025 - 10:53AMvideocam

Introduced in 2012, the scheme allows people aged 60 or above, and those with disabilities, to pay only HK$2 per trip on public transport. Photo: Edmond So

Hong Kong budget 2025-26

Explainer | Show me the money: unveiling Hong Kong’s 10 biggest spenders in government

As finance chief urges tightening of purse strings ahead of next budget, the Post looks at which government agencies have the highest bill.

24 Feb 2025 - 12:10PM

Hong Kong entertainment

Explainer | What is ‘Hong Kong Super March’ and how can you take part?

Attractive cultural, arts and sporting events will ‘come one after the other’ next month, Hong Kong leader John Lee says.

21 Feb 2025 - 2:05PM

Hong Kong budget 2025-26

Explainer | Budget 2025: is raising taxes the answer to Hong Kong’s ‘structural deficit’?

The Post breaks down whether Hong Kong is facing a structural deficit and whether taxing top earners can help get the city back on track.

21 Feb 2025 - 10:00AM

Hong Kong has recorded budget deficits almost every fiscal year since 2019-20. Photo: Sun Yeung

Crime in Hong Kong

Explainer | How you can protect yourself against fake ‘#’ text messages in Hong Kong

Experts have warned people to watch out for suspicious text messages that include ‘#’ prefix used by registered firms only.

20 Feb 2025 - 1:40PM

Mobile users should beware of a sudden drop in phone reception from a full to a 2G signal, experts warn. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Explainer | What to know about E coli symptoms, hygiene after Hong Kong doctor’s death

The Post looks at the bacteria and what one should do to avoid infection after death of Princess Margaret Hospital doctor.

13 Feb 2025 - 7:13AM

Hong Kong society

Explainer | Hong Kong Marathon controversy: what happened and how to ensure fairness

The Post delves into why runners may want to swap bibs during races and what the loopholes are.

10 Feb 2025 - 10:47PM

Hong Kong tourism

Explainer | How can Hong Kong tour guides be safer after death of group leader in Shanghai?

The Post breaks down requirements for tour group guides, the training they must undergo and ways they can protect themselves.

2 Feb 2025 - 11:00AM

People visit a travel agency in Mong Kok. Demand for travel has continued to grow since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong courts

Explainer | Hong Kong yoga ball murder: what has changed since the verdict in 2018?

The Post unpacks how the defence and prosecution shifted strategies, and what prompted the retrial.

15 Jan 2025 - 2:07PMvideocam

Asian cinema: Japanese films

Explainer | All you need to know before watching Attack on Titan: The Last Attack

As the finale of Hajime Isayama’s anime series opens in Hong Kong, a reminder of its plot, the controversies and why it is special.

14 Jan 2025 - 7:22PMvideocam

Hong Kong politics

Explainer | How can Hongkongers protect themselves from Southeast Asian job scams?

Hong Kong authorities have come under renewed pressure to ensure the return of residents believed to be held captive in the region.

16 Jan 2025 - 6:58PM

Thailand is under an amber outbound travel alert, the lowest level on Hong Kong’s three-tier system. Photo: EPA-EFE

Hong Kong society

Explainer | Counting down to 2025: how to celebrate Hong Kong’s biggest New Year’s Eve event

The Post shares where to catch the fireworks, who is performing and what to expect on the weather front.

31 Dec 2024 - 7:57PM

The fireworks display last New Year’s Eve. Photo: Sam Tsang

Food and Drinks

Explainer | What is umami? How the savoury flavour makes food taste better

One of the five primary human tastes, umami is a key feature of Asian – especially Japanese – cuisine commonly enhanced by dashi or MSG.

28 Dec 2024 - 11:15AMvideocam

Hong Kong society

Explainer | ‘Angry Chiu Chow man’: who is Hong Kong’s Chim Pui-chung?

From ‘golden banker’ fame to fiery outbursts, the Post looks at background of former lawmaker found guilty in fraud case this week.

10 Dec 2024 - 6:06PM

Hong Kong housing

Explainer | Court ruling is latest twist in battle to build flats on Hong Kong golf course

Post looks back at years-long effort to construct public housing on exclusive course and what’s next after Monday’s High Court ruling.

3 Dec 2024 - 7:00PM

The Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling. Under a proposal floated in 2022, 12,000 public flats would be built on 9.5 hectares of the 32 hectares by 2029. Photo: Dickson Lee

Crime in Hong Kong

Explainer | Hong Kong bar blaze: why a 1997 arson case that killed 17 is back in the spotlight

The Post revisits the tragedy after arrest of sixth man linked to firebombing of Top One karaoke bar renews interest in 27-year-old case.

1 Dec 2024 - 12:18AM

Police have arrested a sixth man linked to 27-year-old case. Photo: Handout

US presidential election 2024

Explainer | What are US recess appointments and why has Donald Trump suggested using them?

Several nominees for top posts have drawn fire for being unqualified, but there is a way to seat them without hearings or a Senate vote.

30 Nov 2024 - 3:29AMvideocam

Hong Kong politics

Explainer | US threatens sanctions: what Hong Kong can expect after the jailing of 45 activists

The Post reviews how Hong Kong was caught in China-US geopolitical crosshairs and the impact of restrictive measures on the city.

21 Nov 2024 - 6:05AMvideocam

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW