Results for: Hong Kong

Visiting Kai Tak, a new neighborhood built on the site of Hong Kong’s former airport, can be an overwhelming experience. However, amidst the gleaming landmarks, an art space called Gate33 offers a glimpse into the city’s older, more familiar neighborhoods through its latest exhibition, TypePOP Show. The immersive and interactive exhibition showcases the work of 10 designers and artists who have used typography to explore the built environments, communities, and culture of Wong Tai Sin, San Po Kong, Kowloon City, and To Kwa Wan. The exhibition features a diverse range of works, from furniture shaped like Chinese characters to interactive digital installations. It also includes a walk-through installation featuring hand-lettered signs inspired by the graphic landscape of To Kwa Wan. The TypePOP Show is a celebration of Hong Kong’s unique typographical landscape and the vibrant communities that shape it.

High-speed rail services between Hong Kong and southern Guangzhou have been suspended or redirected due to severe weather conditions in mainland China, including heavy rainfall and flooding in Guangdong province. Passengers are advised to check official websites and apps for service updates.

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu of Hong Kong met with Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the UK minister for the Indo-Pacific, to discuss cooperation in finance and business. Hui emphasized that the British National Overseas (BNO) passport is not recognized as a proof of identity in Hong Kong and cannot be used to support applications for early withdrawal of pension funds. He also highlighted the recent domestic national security law as creating a prosperous business environment. The meeting was the first between a local Hong Kong official and Trevelyan during her tour of China and Hong Kong.

Beijing has relaxed its requirements for businesses sending data outside mainland China, but Hong Kong’s role in the new regime remains limited. Hong Kong, which envisions itself as a regional data and innovation hub, does not play a major role in China’s cross-border data flow even under the newly relaxed rules. Firms looking to export data from the mainland to Hong Kong will need to go through the same compliance steps required for sending data elsewhere in the world, and the new provisions “don’t change that”.

Hong Kong’s single-use plastics ban has come into effect, marking a symbolic and essential step towards protecting the environment. The ban includes plastic straws, cutlery, Styrofoam food containers, cotton buds, umbrella covers, and glow sticks. Hotels and guest houses are no longer allowed to provide free toiletries in synthetic disposable containers or free in-room water in plastic bottles. Despite some initial challenges, the ban has been implemented smoothly, with major food outlets already switching to eco-friendly utensils. However, some smaller shops are still clearing stock during a six-month grace period. The government is implementing the ban with a flexible approach, taking enforcement action only after repeated advice during the grace period. The plastic ban is part of Hong Kong’s larger effort to reduce municipal waste, which includes a pay-as-you-throw charging scheme that is currently facing resistance. The government’s firm commitment to the plastic ban and its resolute decision to implement the waste charge as planned send a strong signal to the public to comply.

Lai’s alleged accomplice, Chan, testified in court about the impact of Jimmy Lai’s arrest on their anti-China efforts. Lai and his assistant, Simon, reportedly believed his arrest would bring more attention and boost Apple sales. Chan also spoke about attempts to broaden their network and lobby for sanctions against Hong Kong and China. Lai faces accusations of orchestrating an anti-China campaign through the advocacy group “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong.”

A major Japanese discount chain in Hong Kong has begun packaging sushi in cardboard boxes following the city’s plastic ban. While some customers prefer the traditional transparent plastic boxes for better visibility and perception of freshness, others prioritize comfort and air conditioning in the store’s seating area. However, the cardboard boxes offer no visual guidance on the sushi’s appearance, raising concerns about presentation and hygiene. The store has posted notices reminding customers of the plastic ban and encouraging the use of cardboard boxes for dine-in. Some customers express concerns about not being able to inspect the freshness of the sushi in cardboard packaging, while others believe the freshness should be consistent regardless of packaging. The ban’s grace period allows businesses time to adapt, but offenders may face fines.

Zetrix Foundation, MY E.G. Services Berhad (MYEG), and MaiCapital, a licensed virtual asset manager in Hong Kong, have joined forces to launch a virtual asset fund or Hong Kong virtual assets exchange-traded fund (ETF) products. This collaboration aims to issue a Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (SFC) approved ETF, consisting of a basket of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Zetrix, and potentially other suitable cryptocurrencies. The partnership aligns with MYEG’s strategic alliance with Web3Labs Hong Kong and Summer Capital, driving Hong Kong’s Web3 aspirations and positioning Zetrix as the preferred blockchain infrastructure for applications aligned with the Hong Kong government’s objectives. This timely collaboration comes as the SFC has begun granting approvals for spot bitcoin and ethereum ETFs to several asset managers.

Young professionals are increasingly tertarik towards Hong Kong’s accountancy industry due to opportunities in ESG reporting, corporate governance consulting, and the Greater Bay Area, despite a recent decline in new share listings.

Jimmy Lai, the founder of the now-defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, is accused of using a paralegal as a middleman to relay instructions to activists in the United States. The instructions allegedly included urging activists to lobby foreign government officials and those working “under the table”, such as political advisers, to instigate economic sanctions and other hostile acts against Hong Kong and mainland China. Lai is also accused of discussing with the United States about ways to support the youngsters involved in the 2019 unrest.