뉴스

Hong Kong developer New World Development (NWD) is making 28 units of its Pavilia Rosa project in Kowloon Tong available to buyers on Friday, a test of sentiment and demand in the city’s residential property market amid a slumping Hang Seng Index. NWD said the flats would be sold via a regular price list on a “first come, first served” basis as the developer announced that the project had so far sold 42 residences worth about HK$2.4 billion (US$127.6 million) via a tender. The launch on Friday...

South China Morning Post

중도 성향

기타

Hong Kong Observatory issues red rainstorm warning

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. The Hong Kong Observatory issued a red rainstorm warning on Monday evening and forecast heavy rain for the next 24 hours. The forecaster first issued an amber warning – the lowest level in a three-tier system – at 7.20pm before upgrading it to red 30 minutes later. Earlier, at 5pm, it warned that rainfall could reach around 100mm (four inches) in 24 hours as...

South China Morning Post

중도 성향

사회

Missing US student found dead in Japan

An ⁠American student ⁠who disappeared while on ⁠a family holiday in Japan was found dead outside Kyoto, his mother wrote in a social media post on Saturday. The body of James ‌Higginbotham, 20, was discovered in a mountainous area by a volunteer search-and-rescue group, Nancy Higginbotham wrote. A cause of death and further details were not immediately available. “Our family is heartbroken,” she said. “The grief we feel is ⁠impossible to put into words.” Higginbotham, an Alabama resident ‌and an...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

중도 성향

기타

Public urged to get jabs as flu cases spike

An expert on infectious diseases called on the public on Saturday to get vaccinated against influenza before the current batch of available jabs expires at the end of this month, as cases are on the rise. A recent serious case involved a 17-year-old who was left in a critical condition yesterday after developing complications, including severe pneumonia and shock from catching influenza B. He was not inoculated against the flu. Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme, Professor Ivan Hung, head of the infectious diseases division at the University of Hong Kong and an honorary consultant at Queen Mary Hospital , said the hospital has also logged more flu cases among children and the elderly. “Right now we're seeing a rise in the number of cases in both flu A, which is [subtype] H3, and also flu B, with quite a number of older adults being admitted to hospitals with severe flu cases, and also for children as well. Recently, we have had a 17-year-old with a severe flu B infection,” he said after the show. “But whether it's peaking – it's not yet the so-called summer peak – I think we really have to wait for a few more weeks to see how the trend plays out. "I do recommend anyone who has not been vaccinated to get vaccinated before the end of June because the vaccine is going to expire by the end of June.” Hung urged the elderly, particularly those with chronic diseases, to wear masks in crowded places and use hand sanitisers. People do not have to be too worried over Covid-19, he said, adding that it has become endemic in the city. “I think the coronavirus itself is relatively benign. If you look at the variant, the latest is NB.1.8.1, it’s actually quite close to the LP.8.1, which is the vaccine candidate," Hung said. "Basically, I think it’s not a major concern in terms of coronavirus. “Overall, we have very, very few severe cases being hospitalised. For the last year or so, we didn’t really have a surge in Covid cases. In general, it’s very mild, even for the older adults.” However, those who are immunodeficient and suffer from chronic illnesses should get vaccinated regularly, Hung said, urging those who have not been inoculated against flu to take the jab without delay, as vaccines won’t be available for a short period until the next batch arrives in the fourth quarter. Edited by Robert Kemp

South China Morning Post

중도 성향

사회

Small plane crash in Croatia leaves 4 dead, 2 missing

Four people were killed on Thursday in a plane crash on Croatia’s northern Adriatic coast, police said. “According to currently available information four people have died” in the crash of the plane in Medulin, on Croatia’s northwestern Istria peninsula, a police statement said. The accident occurred in the Campanoz area, outside the town, and “all emergency services are on the scene”, it added. The national firefighting association said it had received a report of the crash near the Medulin...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

중도 성향

기타

Uzbeks welcome HK's 30-day visa-free proposal

Uzbeks in the capital of Tashkent voiced enthusiasm about the prospect of closer ties with Hong Kong on Thursday. Earlier, the SAR and Uzbek governments had agreed to begin detailed talks on a 30-day visa-free stay for travellers on both sides. Currently, HKSAR passport holders may visit Uzbekistan visa-free for 10 days, while Uzbek passport holders require a visa to enter Hong Kong. Uzbek citizens told RTHK that the proposed arrangement, revealed by Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday night during his Central Asia visit, would significantly ease current travel restrictions and that the news could not come soon enough. "It’s a big opportunity for our nation, for our population, for our locals," said Jasur Abdumavlonov, an English teacher in Tashkent. "China is the fastest developing country. It develops very fast." Abdumavlonov, who described himself as eager to learn, said he hopes to visit Hong Kong within the next five years, drawn by curiosity about its food and people. He predicted the visa-free scheme would spark a two-way exchange of traditions and world views. "A lot of people will exchange their traditions, their point of view," he said. "They’re going to learn a lot about Asia, about Central Asia. And our people will learn a lot about Chinese [people]." For younger Uzbeks, Hong Kong’s pop culture has already built a powerful pull. Yasmin Kholmurodova said she has wanted to visit the city for a long time, inspired by its cinema, books and music. "That’s great news. I wish to come to Hong Kong for a very long time," she said. Kholmurodova said that the more visa-free destinations available to Uzbek travellers, the better. She also added that the proposed deal would foster prosperity through greater people-to-people contact. "Let’s be friendly, let’s visit each other’s countries, let’s be more global," she said. "I think it will definitely be more prosperous." Beyond tourism, business ties are already emerging. Khurshid Shomurotov said his brother travelled to Hong Kong just 10 days ago to meet potential partners. He said he now plans to visit Hong Kong himself in the future, adding that business discussions with partners in the city had gone well. The chief executive said the two governments would promptly advance the specific implementation measures to bring the arrangement into effect as soon as possible. Edited by Tony Sabine

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

중도 성향

기타

'Direct flight to Central Asia could lift HK tourism'

The executive director of the Travel Industry Council Fanny Yeung said on Wednesday she believes the planned launch of a direct flight linking Hong Kong and Kazakhstan would further boost the city's tourism industry. Her remarks came as Cathay Pacific announced it would start operating the route to Kazakhstan's biggest city, Almaty, in the first quarter of next year, significantly cutting the travel time between the two places. Speaking at a press conference on the upcoming International Travel Expo (ITE), Yeung said the council is pleased to learn about the flight arrangements to tap into the Central Asian market as the region is relatively unexplored. "We found that the tourism resources [there] are very, very interesting and the scenery is beautiful as well, so definitely it will attract Hong Kong people," she said, adding that the council had led a delegation to the region in 2024. "Prior to Covid, we [actually] had direct flights to Kazakhstan, but since Covid [they] stopped and didn't reopen again. I am quite positive that it will help us to explore this new destination for Hong Kong residents once the direct flight is available," she told reporters. Regarding the the SAR's tourism outlook, Yeung said she is confident that Hong Kong could welcome about 53 million visitors this year, despite risks arising from the Iran war that has reduced demand from long-haul markets. "We have less tourists from the long-haul markets, but on the other hand, Hong Kong is also very attractive to mainlanders," she said. Asia's annual flagship travel fair ITE is set to return to Hong Kong from June 11 to 14 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event is expected to attract over 500 exhibitors from 66 countries and regions, including newcomers Uganda, Mongolia, and Peru. Edited by Aaron Tam

South China Morning Post

중도 성향

기타

Vehicle fire causes partial closure of Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge

A vehicle fire in the undersea tunnel of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge caused major traffic disruption on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a partial closure of the key link between the three cities. The Transport Department said at 1.55pm that the incident occurred in the tunnel bound for Zhuhai and Macau, with the middle and slow lanes closed. Footage circulating online shows the tunnel filled with thick smoke. “Only the fast lane is available to motorists,” the department said. “Traffic is...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

중도 성향

기타

Yacht tourism boom on horizon as sailing curbs eased

A new policy aimed at allowing yachts from Hong Kong and Macao to enter or exit nine mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area will be a massive catalyst for growth in yacht tourism, said David Norton, vice commodore of Hong Kong Royal Yacht Club, on Tuesday. His remark came after the SAR on Saturday welcomed the State Council's approval of exemption from the requirement of a guarantee and implementation of temporary ship nationality registration, enabling yachts from both SARs to access the nine mainland cities. Speaking on RTHK's Backchat programme, Norton said there used to be great financial and administrative hurdles in the past in trying to get boats across the border in the mainland or Hong Kong for yacht races and sailing events. "It's very difficult for them to bring their boats into China and for our members to get their boats to attend events in the Chinese mainland, so this [new policy] is a massive boost, and the opportunities for cruising around the beautiful Guangdong coast is also a very interesting prospect," he said. It will also bring greater convenience and more opportunities for yachters to explore the region, Norton added. He also said the industry was looking forward to more details of the scheme being made available and the city becoming a focal point for people who wish to enter Chinese mainland waters. Speaking on the same programme, Dennis Kwok from the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education said the policy will have spillover effects for other industries as well. "Not only will the owners travel, they might have their guests, their business partners, and also the maintenance crew, everything that will provide a lot of economic benefits to the tourism industry in Hong Kong," said the head of the department of hospitality at the institute's campuses in Chai Wan and Haking Wong. Although yachts travelling to Hong Kong might not be great in number, Kwok said, they have a major impact on tourism branding and make the city more unique. He also said a recent proposal for an operational merger for China Ferry Terminal and the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal was timely as passenger throughput at these two checkpoints had dropped by 6.5 percent last year. He suggested that one of the ferry terminals be used as additional location to serve yacht tourists. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

South China Morning Post

중도 성향

기타

Shangri-La Dialogue live: US defence chief Pete Hegseth to address regional security forum

This live article is freely available to our registered users. Please log in or create an account below. Get real-time updates and exclusive reporting. Subscribe now with great savings to stay ahead. Defence ministers, military chiefs, diplomats and analysts have gathered in Singapore this weekend for the annual Shangri-La Dialogue, where regional security challenges will be discussed and a flurry of bilateral meetings held. It is expected to provide the first indication of US policy direction...

South China Morning Post

중도 성향

기타

Hong Kong braces for Friday scorcher as mercury climbs to 33.7 degrees

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong recorded the hottest day of the year so far as the mercury hit 33.7 degrees Celsius (92.66 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, with the Observatory warning that temperatures in parts of the city will reach a scorching 37 degrees on Friday. The highest temperature was logged at the Observatory’s Tsim Sha Tsui headquarters on Wednesday afternoon, as a “very hot...

South China Morning Post

중도 성향

기타

Hong Kong issues year’s first ‘very hot weather’ warning

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hong Kong issued its first “very hot weather” warning of the year on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 Fahrenheit). The forecaster said an anticyclone aloft would bring “generally fine and very hot weather” to the coast of Guangdong, expecting the sweltering conditions to persist until Friday. But it added that...

South China Morning Post

중도 성향

기타

Mercury to hit as high as 33 degrees for 4 straight days this week

This story has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Hongkongers are set for a scorching week ahead, with the forecaster predicting temperatures will climb as high as 33 degrees Celsius (91.4 Fahrenheit) on four days in a row, which may trigger the first very hot weather warning of the year. The Observatory said on Sunday that an anticyclone aloft would continue to bring hot and fine weather to the coast of...

South China Morning Post

중도 성향

기타

What to eat and buy at Hong Kong airport’s revamped Terminal 2

The expanded second passenger terminal at Hong Kong International Airport is set to open its doors to travellers on Wednesday, offering 25 new shopping and dining options. While travellers must still take an autonomous people mover to Terminal 1 for departures after checking in at Terminal 2, the revamped facility promises a number of conveniences. The South China Morning Post explores how travellers can make the most of the dining and shopping options. 1. What dining options are available? The...

1 / 1 (총 14건)

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

중도 성향

기타