Author: Harvey Kong

Hong Kong Police Report 164% Increase in Thefts on Flights In the first eight months of the year, Hong Kong police recorded a significant 164% rise in the number of thefts on flights into the city, with one case involving a passenger losing a watch valued at HK$4.16 million (US$535,320). Passengers reported 132 cases of items being stolen on board passenger jets between January and August this year, compared to 50 cases in the same period in 2023. The Post consulted experts on how to keep belongings safe and have peace of mind when flying, with suggestions such as selecting…

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has seen a significant increase in the number of first-year students from outside the city, with over 1,200 students being admitted this autumn. This marks a 50 per cent rise compared to the previous academic cycle, with about half of the non-local students coming from mainland China. Despite concerns about the impact on the university’s international status, HKU assures that the proportion of mainland students has remained stable. The latest batch of non-local students also represents around 60 different countries and regions. With the government doubling the quota of non-local students in publicly funded…

Hong Kong’s anti-corruption agency has brought charges against a police chief inspector and his wife in connection with an alleged bribery case involving over HK$1.1 million in cash and gifts from a businessman. The inspector, Ho Siu-tung, 38, is facing charges under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance for accepting an advantage as a public servant. He is also accused of misconduct in public office related to divulging information and remaining biased towards the businessman and his associates during police investigations. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) disclosed that at the time of the alleged offenses, Ho was overseeing criminal investigations…

Over the weekend, a Hong Kong court made headlines by remanding a radiation therapist in custody for inciting violence against police officers during the 2019 anti-government protests. Yeung Sheung-wa, found guilty of online incitement, had posted a controversial comment on the platform LIHKG, seeking opinions on potentially attacking or even harming police officers. The deputy district judge, Veronica Heung Shuk-han, emphasized the three key elements of Yeung’s case: the nature of his comment, whether it incited harm against police, and his intentions. She noted that Yeung’s comment sparked discussions on violent tactics against law enforcement, reflecting a fear of capture…

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu of Hong Kong has urged young people to pursue their dreams instead of settling for public housing. He emphasized that focusing solely on subsidized flats could limit their potential and lead to regrets. Lee stressed the importance of hard work and self-improvement, warning against deliberately adjusting income to qualify for public housing. He highlighted the significance of personal growth and opportunities, stating that achievements from hard work far outweigh the benefits of public housing. Lee encouraged young individuals to redefine success and chase their dreams for a more fulfilling future. The government aims to prioritize…

The head of China’s foreign ministry arm in Hong Kong, Cui Jianchun, recently stated that no diplomats accompanying him on a trip to Hainan island objected to the city’s dual national security laws. He emphasized that such protections are standard worldwide. During his five-day trip to Hainan with 50 participants, including diplomats and business leaders, Cui highlighted that all consuls general, regardless of their country’s development status, supported China’s national security laws. The trip aimed to foster cooperation and understanding between participants, including Australian Consul General Gareth Williams and German Chamber of Commerce President Johannes Hack. Cui expressed confidence in…

Beijing’s foreign ministry arm in Hong Kong has criticized US President Joe Biden’s extension of the city’s “emergency status,” which is the fourth renewal of an executive order removing Hong Kong’s preferential trade partner status. China’s foreign ministry office in Hong Kong urged the US to stop intervening in the city’s affairs and abide by international norms. They condemned the US for its “persecution fantasy” and called for an end to political shows that humiliate themselves. The renewal of Hong Kong’s “emergency status” by Biden follows the initial declaration by former President Trump in response to Beijing imposing a national…

In a recent cocktail reception attended by diplomats, Hong Kong Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation over sanctions, decoupling, and ideological bias. Leung highlighted the need for engagement with the international community amidst global transformations and the implementation of a domestic security law in the city. Leung stressed that dialogue and collaboration are essential for navigating uncertainties and adversities, warning that punitive measures can lead to resentment and lose-lose situations. Despite challenges in US-Hong Kong relations, American Consul General Gregory May expressed a desire for friendly exchanges with lawmakers. The reception, attended by…

Beijing’s top official on Hong Kong affairs, Xia Baolong, recently met with Airport Authority chairman Fred Lam in the capital to discuss leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle for national development. Xia encouraged the airport to support Chief Executive John Lee and make further contributions to the city’s governance and national development. Xia also praised the airport’s achievements and urged it to become an international aviation hub, aligning with Beijing’s vision of developing Hong Kong under the “eight centres” policy. This policy focuses on areas like finance, technology, and aviation to enhance Hong Kong’s…

As of June 30, authorities had received 339 applications for Hong Kong’s new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES), launched on March 1. The scheme aims to attract successful businessmen and entrepreneurs, potentially bringing over HK$10 billion in investment to Hong Kong. The CIES offers a fast track to residency for wealthy individuals and their families who invest at least HK$30 million, with 90% going into financial assets and the remaining HK$3 million into innovation and strategic industries. Investment in residential properties does not count towards the amount. The scheme’s threshold is three times higher than its previous version to prevent…