34 h. ago Hong Kong’s mediation centre open to developed nations, Western countries

Western and developed countries are welcome to use services offered by Hong Kong’s newly established global mediation centre, a senior official has said, dismissing concerns over the institute’s founding members being primarily developing nations. Deputy Secretary for Justice Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan on Saturday also addressed the possible direct competition with other dispute resolution hubs, including Singapore, outlining Hong Kong’s distinct advantages such as its “one country, two systems”...

Politics

3 d. ago The case of Hong Kong vs Singapore: unlimited potential for collaboration

From Hong Kong Disneyland and Universal Studios Singapore to Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, there is this never-ending comparison between Hong Kong and Singapore. Insofar as our legal systems and the legal markets are concerned, there are also interesting similarities and differences. Both Hong Kong and Singapore are common law jurisdictions with developed and efficient legal systems. We are both in strategic locations with world-class legal infrastructure and vibrant legal communities....

Politics

3 d. ago With early stablecoin law, Hong Kong looks to keep edge as finance hub

With the passage of one of the world’s most comprehensive stablecoin laws two weeks ago, Hong Kong is looking to stay at the forefront of global finance while addressing lessons from past industry setbacks, according to analysts. Being a “first mover” in stablecoin legislation “reflects the determination” of the city’s government to “unlock value that they see in this sector, given the number of hurdles from past incidents”, said Melvin Deng, CEO of digital asset trading firm QCP Capital. Hong...

Politics

9 d. ago Singapore’s 1880 shuts in Hong Kong, Japanese men on staying young: 7 highlights

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Harvard speech sparks China debate on elite education access, privilege Emotional remarks by a Chinese student who delivered this year’s Harvard University commencement speech have sparked a debate in China about barriers to elite education. 2. Military mishap risks rise with...

Politics

1 week ago 1880 Hong Kong members offered alternative club, but ‘not what we signed up for’

Members of 1880 Hong Kong, a Singapore-based private club that recently shut down after only seven months in operation, have been offered a luxury lifeline by landlord Swire Properties. The club told members on Thursday that they would be able to have joining fees waived for The Refinery, a club in Swire’s Taikoo Place that is operated by The Peninsula, and a food and drink credit would be provided. But the announcement did not appear to have pacified members, with some preferring a refund of...

Politics

1 week ago What can consumers learn from collapse of Singaporean 1880 club in Hong Kong?

The Hong Kong branch of a Singapore-based private club has proceeded with liquidation with debts of about HK$20 million (US$2.5 million), following its abrupt closure after just seven months in business. The Post unpacks the potential pitfalls of joining a private club and what consumers should do to protect themselves. 1. What’s happened to 1880 Hong Kong? The private club, located at Swire Properties’ Two Taikoo Place office complex in Quarry Bay, on Friday announced it was closing, citing...

Politics

1 week ago Hong Kong branch of Singaporean 1880 club in liquidation with HK$20 million debt

The Hong Kong branch of a Singapore-based private club that closed after less than a year in business is undergoing liquidation with about HK$20 million (US$2.5 million) of debts, former employees have said. Financial difficulties forced 1880 Hong Kong, located at Two Taikoo Place in Quarry Bay, to shut its doors on Friday last week, leaving 100 employees without pay for two months and some members angered by sales made shortly before the closure. It also owed unpaid rent to its landlord, Swire...

Economics

1 week ago Member loses HK$38,000 as Hong Kong branch of Singaporean 1880 club faces probe

The sudden closure of 1880 Hong Kong, a private members club based out of Singapore, left members reeling, with one losing HK$38,000, paid out for a full-year membership just two months prior, while others have complained to Customs, alleging a violation of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. The club, located in Quarry Bay’s Two Taikoo Place, operated for only seven months before shutting down last Friday due to “cash flow difficulties”. It has been accused of owing rent and wages to more than...

Politics

1 week ago Hong Kong’s Link takes rental hits amid fight to retain retail tenants

Hong Kong-based Link Asset Management expects more tenants to negotiate lower rents in the near term as it prioritises keeping its properties occupied, according to top executives at the company that manages Link Reit, Asia’s largest real estate investment trust. While Hong Kong continued to suffer a retail slump, assets in Singapore and Australia performed better than expected, the company said on Tuesday as it reported revenue and profit increases for the financial year ended in March. Link is...

Events

2 w. ago 1880 Hong Kong club folds after 7 months, accused of owing staff unpaid wages

The Hong Kong branch of a Singapore-based private club, which recently closed its doors after only seven months of operation, has been accused of owing rent and more than 100 employees unpaid wages since April, with the Labour Department receiving requests for help from affected workers. 1880 Hong Kong, located at Swire Properties’ office complex Two Taikoo Place in Quarry Bay last Friday announced its immediate cessation of operations, citing “cash flow difficulties” and failed attempts to...

Politics

2 w. ago Hong Kong or Singapore? Blackpink’s mainland fans tackle tough ticket questions

Mainland Chinese visitors are expected to flock to Hong Kong in January next year for two concerts by K-pop superstars Blackpink, with fans trying to work out how to get their hands on tickets, the cheapest way to watch the shows and whether tour stops such as Singapore may be a better bet to see the girl group. The group’s agency, YG Entertainment, this week revealed that Blackpink’s “Deadline” world tour would end at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium, following stops in South Korea, Taiwan, Bangkok,...

Sport