Hong Kong Connection

In April 2024, a no. 3 alarm fire in Jordan resulted in 5 deaths and 40 injuries. The incident highlights issues related to annual fire safety inspections and non-compliant installations, raising concerns about the adequacy of fire safety checks in composite buildings. The current Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance stipulates that fire safety of composite and domestic buildings which were constructed by March 1, 1987, should be enhanced to better meet the current requirements. What challenges do composite buildings, especially "N have-nots " buildings, face when complying with the Fire Services Ordinance? How can...

The Hong Kong SAR Government promulgates the "Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint " in 2022 , focusing on enhancing the innovation and technology ecosystem and advancing Hong Kong's "new industrialisation." Over the past three years, the government has invested over HK$800 million in flagship innovation and technology projects at Science Park and Cyberport to support technology start-ups. The2023-24 Budget also proposed an allocation of HK$3 billion to drive breakthroughs in research and development. What has been the effectiveness of the government's series of innovation and technology support measures? What challenges and difficulties do Hong Kong's innovation and technology companies face? The development of "new quality productivity" implies that traditional economic growth, productivity, and the labour force will undergo profound reforms. How will the genera...

In recent years, the number of registered readers, as well as the collection of books and multimedia materials in libraries under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, has increased compared to the past. However, the number of borrowed books and multimedia materials has shown a downward trend. Additionally, a survey indicated that over 70% of respondents who read physical books or publications reported a median annual reading volume of only six books, which is lower than in the previous two years. In 2021, the total export value of printed publications in Hong Kong was approximately HK$12 billion, but this fell to around HK$6.6 billion in 2022, a decrease of 45%. Are Hong Kong people now preferring to look at their phones rather than read books? Do people in Hong Kong utilise their free time for reading? Are public library services and resources appealing enough to encourage usage? What strategies can be im...

Tourism has long been one of Hong Kong’s key economic pillars. The government is committed to positioning the city as Asia’s events capital, hosting a series of large-scale events such as the New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza , the Chinese New Year parade, and major sporting competitions. But are these events compelling enough to attract visitors from the mainland and overseas? Meanwhile, the number of mainland tourists is steadily increasing, with their travel patterns and spending habits evolving. More young travellers now rely on social media recommendations, focusing on visiting unique local spots primarily for photo opportunities. Can the government and various industries seize new opportunities in tourism development while preserving Hong Kong’s...

The demand for online ride-hailing services among the public has become increasingly clear in recent years. The Transport and Logistics Bureau's latest study on regulating ride-hailing platforms suggests that these companies should be governed by legislation, requiring licences and specific conditions. This includes ensuring that hailed cars provided by the platform are licensed, obtaining relevant insurance that covers passengers, and that drivers undergo medical examinations and tests. Some believe that taxi fleets could meet the changing demands for ride-hailing services, shifting from ride-hailing private cars to ta...

In the late 1980s, Hong Kong was a key hub for semiconductor chip production. However, with factories relocating northward, the chip industry gradually declined. The government is now determined to drive innovation and technology development, with the 2023 Policy Address further implementing the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint . Key measures include establishing the New Industrialisation Development Office , facilitating the Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, and launching a $10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme. How can these initiatives help Hong Kong leverage its strengths? Beyond the chip industry, what other high-value sectors can propel Hong Kong towards "New Industrialisation"? And wha...

The Hong Kong SAR Government is actively attracting talent from around the globe while encouraging all sectors of society to support their integration into Hong Kong. Efforts are being made to address challenges related to employment, entrepreneurship, housing, healthcare, and daily life, with the aim of helping these individuals establish families and settle down in the city. On the other hand, what difficulties do they face in finding schools for their children? What measures does the government provide to help these talents and their families integrate smoothly into Hong Kong? What impact will these newcomers have on Hong Kong's future? How are they adapting to life in the city and settling into their new environment? Each of these new stories under the Lion Roc...

The Paris Paralympic Games are just around the corner, drawing widespread attention. For para athletes, stepping onto the Paralympic stage often involves overcoming even greater challenges. Choosing the path of a full-time athlete requires careful consideration, including financial stability and post-retirement security. In recent years, the government has significantly increased resources for the development of para sports. The 2017 pilot scheme for the Elite Vote Support System for Disability Sports provides financial assistance and training support to full-time and part-time athletes. This programme was made permanent in 2019, with increased funding, offering substantial support for elite para athletes to dedicate themselves to full-time training. What challenges...

With the interest rate cut cycle underway, the market broadly expects further rate reductions in the coming year, which could have a cautiously positive impact on Hong Kong’s economy. Although the extent and pace of rate cuts may not align perfectly with those in Europe and the US, they are likely to alleviate operational pressures on businesses. How will the shift in interest rates influence capital flows and shape the development of Hong Kong’s economy? How should personal asset management and SME operations be positioned to adapt to a lower interest rate environment? What implications will this have f...

The HKSAR Government has launched the “Pilot Programme on Community Living Room” which is a collaboration among the government, the business sector, and the community, providing facilities and services for households in subdivided units. The first Community Living Room (CLR) has opened in Sham Shui Po, featuring shared kitchens, study rooms, and laundries. This 3-year programme aims to serve at least 500 households.

In addition to the flagship CLR, there are suggestions to introduce smaller, more accessible CLRs throughout neighborhoods. Since residents have varying needs, families with children require play and learning spaces, while single residents often lack home appliances and need laundry and dining areas. Can th...