59 h. ago Pledges fall short of fixing Hong Kong building sector after deadly fire: experts

New measures to strengthen Hong Kong’s building maintenance regime after the deadly Tai Po fire only scratch the surface of long-standing issues that require deeper systemic reforms and tougher laws, according to experts and industry figures. The damning verdict came after the government’s pledges and proposals on Wednesday to close policy gaps and tackle entrenched problems laid bare by the blaze at Wang Fuk Court. At the first Legislative Council meeting of the year, officials unveiled a raft...

Events

4 d. ago Hong Kong stocks climb as yuan strengthens and investors broaden focus beyond US

Hong Kong stocks rose on Tuesday as global investors broadened their focus beyond US markets, fuelling gains across Asian equities, while the yuan advanced to its strongest level against the US dollar since May 2023. The Hang Seng Index closed 0.9 per cent up at 26,848.47, after earlier gaining more than 2 per cent to 27,143 – its highest since last November. The Hang Seng Tech Index was little changed after advancing more than 2.4 per cent in the morning. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index and...

Economics

5 d. ago Hong Kong beefs up environmental impact reviews with AI, laser

Hong Kong authorities are using artificial intelligence (AI) and laser-based sensors to improve environmental impact assessments for major projects, with plans to use these tools for sustainable development in the Northern Metropolis. The Environmental Protection Department has been employing two systems – one for detecting bird species and another for monitoring trees – at Hong Kong Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai since last year, in preparation for the planned expansion. The AI-driven bird...

Politics

5 d. ago Hong Kong strengthens environmental impact reviews with AI, laser

Hong Kong authorities are using artificial intelligence (AI) and laser-based sensors to improve environmental impact assessments for major projects, with plans to use these tools for sustainable development in the Northern Metropolis. The Environmental Protection Department has been employing two systems – one for detecting bird species and another for monitoring trees – at Hong Kong Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai since last year, in preparation for the planned expansion. The AI-driven bird...

Politics

2 w. ago New Hong Kong lawmaker Julia Lau vows to strengthen risk oversight after Tai Po fire

Strengthening risk oversight in major maintenance projects in the wake of the deadly Tai Po fire is a top priority for Hong Kong lawmaker Julia Lau Man-kwan, who represents the architectural, surveying, planning and landscape sector. In an interview with the Post, Lau, who is also president of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, pledged to ensure proper use of public funds in government works amid a deficit, and to remove development barriers to boost tourism in rural areas under the Northern...

Events

3 w. ago Back reforms and align with nation, outgoing Legco chief tells new Hong Kong lawmakers

Incoming lawmakers should prioritise helping the Hong Kong government advance policy reforms and strengthen integration with national development, the outgoing Legislative Council president has said as he prepares to step down. Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen also said on Saturday that the new lawmakers would need to assist the government in devising a prudent and pragmatic budget, set to be unveiled in February, and tackling the aftermath of the Tai Po fire that broke out on November 26 and claimed at...

Politics

3 w. ago Hong Kong’s Operation Santa Claus strengthened by Morgan Stanley’s enduring support

Morgan Stanley’s fundraising drive for Operation Santa Claus (OSC) has kept the firm on course to remain the campaign’s top corporate supporter for the ninth consecutive year, extending a partnership of nearly three decades that has engaged employees across divisions, seniority levels and borders. According to Gokul Laroia, CEO of Asia at Morgan Stanley, the global financial services firm’s enduring support for OSC reflected its long-term commitment to giving back to the community, as...

Politics

3 w. ago Hong Kong’s new legislators must strengthen child protection laws

The Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance becomes operational in Hong Kong on January 20, and will enhance child protections. It contains a mechanism for the early and effective detection of child abuse cases. It requires particular professionals to report if, during their work, they come to suspect a child has been suffering serious harm, or is at real risk of it. The acts considered serious harm include inflicting physical injury, forcing or enticing a child to participate in a sexual...

Society

4 w. ago "2023 Beijing Tour for Hong Kong Talents": A Milestone in Strengthening Ties between Hong Kong and Beijing

"2023 Beijing Tour for Hong Kong Talents": A Milestone in Strengthening Ties between Hong Kong and Beijing  City University of Hong Kong

Politics