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South China Morning Post

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Hong Kong police launch search after man, 76, goes missing in Ma On Shan

Hong Kong police are searching for a 76-year-old man who went missing in Ma On Shan on Wednesday. Liu Yim-kwan left his home at Yan On Estate on Hang Chi Street in the early hours of Wednesday and failed to return, police said on Thursday. Liu is about 1.7 metres (5 feet, 9 inches) tall with a lean build and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black trousers and white trainers. His family reported him missing on Wednesday. The force appealed to anyone with information on...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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HK firms will welcome direct Almaty flights: lawmaker

Lawmaker Jonathan Lamport said on Thursday that he believes the planned resumption of direct flights between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan will greatly benefit SAR businesses hoping to tap into the emerging markets of Central Asia. Cathay Pacific earlier announced it will launch direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, from the first quarter of next year. In an interview with RTHK, Lamport said quicker journeys between the two places will make all the difference to businesses. "For business people, usually when we travel for business, it's not like for holidays and so we won't take a very long time; especially for people in Hong Kong, they like to take three-day, two-night trips, or even a day trip," he said. Lamport also called on SAR authorities to task an economic and trade office (ETO) with helping facilitate business with Central Asia. "An ETO can help build local connections. But I think currently as we also have an ETO in Dubai, maybe they can set up a subsidiary group there to help handle the issues in Central Asia," he said. Edited by Thomas McAlinden

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Three arrested for suspected illicit fuel activity

Police arrested three people on Wednesday on suspicion of being involved in illicit fuel activity in Kwai Tsing District. Police seized about 1,600 litres of gasoline, with a suspected market value of HK$50,000, at a suspected illicit fuel station near Kwai Tai Road. At a press briefing on Thursday, officers said two arrestees were loading fuel into a private vehicle when police carried out their raid, while the third arrestee allegedly helped with operations at the facility. One reportedly entered Hong Kong on a two-way exit permit and police suspect that this person violated their conditions of stay. Chief Inspector Koo Man-kai called on residents not to use illicit fuel. "According to the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, both buying and selling illicit fuel is a serious crime. Offenders are subject to two-years imprisonment and a HK$1 million fine upon conviction, and the vehicle involved will be confiscated," he said. The operation unfolded after a fire broke out on Tuesday night due to suspected illicit fuel activity at an industrial building in the district. The Fire Services Department received reports of the blaze at around 10.30pm, and deployed two hoses and two breathing apparatus teams to handle the incident at Kwai Tak Industrial Centre. It said the fire started from an oil tank which spread to a light goods vehicle as well as the building's exterior walls. Firefighters carried out an investigation afterwards and believed the site was used as an illicit fuel station after finding traces of flammable materials, burnt marks, and reviewing surveillance camera footage. The department said it is actively pushing for relevant legislative amendments, which includes higher penalties, expanding the legal liability to include buyers of fuel, and strengthening enforcement powers. Public consultation regarding the suggestions will continue until June 25. Edited by Tony Sabine

South China Morning Post

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A Chinese robotics start-up beat Nvidia on a global AI ranking. Is a new tech war brewing?

As artificial intelligence steps out of the digital realm and into the real world, the race to build the embodied “brains” powering next-generation robots has become the newest battleground in tech competition between China and the United States. Two days after US chip giant Nvidia launched its Cosmos 3 model – designed to help physical AI “think before it acts” – a Chinese start-up stole the spotlight. On Wednesday, Hangzhou, Zhejiang province-based Spirit AI said its foundation model for...

South China Morning Post

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It’s back – revived TEDxHongKong challenges assumptions and reframes beliefs

Hong Kong is an international economic powerhouse brimming with talent and capital, but how much of that has trickled down to local communities? This was the question that weighed on Daniella Lopez’s mind when she acquired the licence for TEDxHongKong – which had been inactive since 2017 – in late 2025. There have been more focused TEDx events in Hong Kong, such as TEDxTinHauWomen, that had specific themes. But TEDxHongKong is about building a broader platform that uses local expertise and...

South China Morning Post

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Trump says may leave UFC arena on White House lawn permanently

US ⁠President Donald Trump suggested he might keep the Ultimate Fighting Championship cage-fighting arena being built on the lawn of the White House as a permanent fixture. The Republican compared ‌the structure, which is being built for a night of cage fighting to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence – on Trump’s 80th birthday – to France’s Eiffel Tower which was supposed to have been dismantled 20 years after it was built in ⁠1889. “We’re building something in front of the White House...

South China Morning Post

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China, EU slam proposed US tariffs, reject forced labour allegations

The administration of US President Donald Trump has proposed new tariffs of up to 12.5 per cent on imports from China and dozens of other trading partners, using a forced-labour investigation to advance what analysts see as a bid to rebuild its tariff regime after recent court setbacks. The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said on Tuesday that China and 59 other economies failed to prohibit or adequately restrict US imports made with forced labour, subjecting them to punitive action...

South China Morning Post

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FBI kill man holding hostages in California after 12-hour standoff following bomb threat

A man holding hostages inside a building in California that houses a bank branch and school district office has been shot and killed by the FBI, police said on Wednesday. The suspect was killed in “an officer-involved shooting involving Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel”, the Bakersfield Police Department said in a statement. The stand-off ended about 12 hours after police were called to the building, police said. All the hostages are free and none was harmed, police said. The stand-off...

South China Morning Post

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How Japan and the Philippines are building a maritime security front against China

Japan and the Philippines are deepening defence and maritime cooperation over shared concerns about China, with broad implications that analysts said reached beyond the South China Sea. Following Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s state visit to Tokyo last week, the two sides agreed to launch formal talks on military intelligence sharing and maritime boundary delimitation, while elevating ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Beijing responded strongly, denouncing the boundary...

South China Morning Post

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India hotel fire kills at least 21

At least 21 people were killed when a fire ripped through a hotel in New Delhi on Wednesday, police said, in one of the deadliest blazes in the Indian capital in recent years. Building fires are common in India due to a lack of firefighting equipment and routine disregard for safety regulations. The fire broke out in the morning at Flourish Stay, a bed-and-breakfast in a congested neighbourhood in the south of the city, Delhi Police said in a statement. “It is with profound sorrow that 21...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Education MoUs boost HK-Kazakhstan ties: CE

Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday said memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between education institutions in Hong Kong and Kazakhstan lay the foundation for further cooperation between the two sides in the long run. He witnessed the exchange of MoUs between Nazarbayev University and Education University of Hong Kong as well as the Hong Kong Polytechnic University during a visit to the institution in the Kazakh capital, Astana, on the final day of his trip to the Central Asia country. “These agreements will deepen academic and research collaboration. They will strengthen people-to-people ties between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan,” Lee said in a speech. “This growing network of institutional partnerships is precisely how we build enduring foundations for long-term cooperation and mutual rewards." The CE noted that some 500 students from Kazakhstan are currently studying in universities in Hong Kong, and he invited more people from the country to pursue career opportunities in the SAR. “The Kazakh community in Hong Kong is growing, and I invite you to look to Hong Kong for your future. To students here, we welcome talented youth and entrepreneurs with open arms. The opportunities are wide open too.” Lee also pointed out that Nazarbayev University was where President Xi Jinping first proposed the Belt and Road Initiative back in 2013. "Since its inception, the Belt and Road has developed a comprehensive framework for global partnership. It's anchored in policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, free and unfettered trade, financial integration, and critically, people-to-people bonds. More than a decade on, the foundations laid here are delivering rewarding results," he said. Professor Waqar Ahmad, president of Nazarbayev University, said his institution, which opened in 2010, has a lot to learn from universities in the SAR. Last year, Nazarbayev University launched a partnership with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to establish a joint Bachelor of Business Administration programme under which students spend two years at each institution. “One of the inspiring examples for us is the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology,” Ahmad said. “35-year-old doesn't behave like a 35-year-old institution, behaves like a fantastic, mature institution which competes with universities which are 200, 300, 400 years old, fantastic in everything that it does, and that's the kind of inspiration that we get excited by. “We are a university which is still in the making. You've got well-established universities with a global reputation. We need to learn from you to get there.” Before the exchange ceremony, Lee and his delegation toured the university and visited its teaching facilities on artificial intelligence, new materials and energy technologies. Lee will head to Uzbekistan on Wednesday afternoon to continue his trip in Central Asia. Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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HK can be key renewable energy hub: Kazakh expert

Researchers in Kazakhstan say Hong Kong's sound financial system, infrastructure and regulatory regime make it an ideal partner and fund-raising hub for green energy projects. Chief Executive John Lee will conclude his duty visit to Kazakhstan on Wednesday night, before continuing his Central Asian tour in Uzbekistan. The visit by the SAR delegation comes as Kazakhstan accelerates its decarbonisation drive, having committed to the Paris climate change treaty and a 2060 carbon neutrality target. "Our government is putting more effort on that. We have a lot of projects going on," said Nurxat Nuraje, head of the renewable energy lab at National Laboratory Astana. With petroleum reserves expected to be depleted within 50 years, he said the Kazakh government is "paying more attention to develop new technology like renewable energy technology". Nuraje, who attended the International Hydrogen Development Symposium in Wan Chai last month, believed there is plenty of room for cooperation. "We learned that Hong Kong has become a very important hub for the development of hydrogen and renewable energy," he said. "Hong Kong has a very good transportation system, also a capital investment system." Fellow researcher Yerbolat Magazov went further, suggesting Hong Kong look into developing a trading mechanism for green hydrogen. "The actual role of Hong Kong as a hub would be to make it not as an energy material, but as a valuable asset," he said. "Special frameworks, taxonomy, legislation — so hydrogen can be traded as a stock material." Their laboratory in the Kazakh capital has already demonstrated the potential of clean energy, after building a system last year that converts solar energy into hydrogen. Mainland company Zhejiang H2-Bank Technology was a key partner, supplying critical components such as electrolysers and hydrogen storage systems. But Magazov acknowledged they need to drive down costs before green hydrogen can really take off. It remains three to five times more expensive than "grey" hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels. "The biggest problem is bankability," he said. "Lots of people have lots of money, but they need to be sure that in the future, green hydrogen will be profitable. Right now, if you calculate, it's a non-profitable thing." This, according to Magazov, is where the Hong Kong brand comes into play. "If Hong Kong trusts this country, everyone can also trust. That allows future investors to put money and investments into this particular market," he said. With global energy markets remaining volatile, Magazov felt that Central Asia and China should forge closer ties. "It's better to make allies which are close to each other," he said. "China, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries should bring together. In the future, if something happens, we'll be independent of others." Edited by Raymond Yeung

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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TDC chair eyes Uzbekistan opportunities in next stop

With the chief executive and his delegation wrapping up the Kazakhstan leg of his Central Asia mission, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) chairman Frederick Ma said he now turns his focus to Uzbekistan, expressing strong expectations for reciprocal deals and new collaboration models during the upcoming visit. Ma described the Kazakhstan stop as “very meaningful,” noting it's the birthplace of the New Silk Road where President Xi Jinping first announced the Belt and Road Initiative at a landmark speech delivered at Nazarbayev University in 2013. He also pointed to the signing of 43 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty next year, saying the visit had opened “a lot more doors for Hong Kong and Chinese mainland businesses.” Turning to Uzbekistan, the TDC chief outlined clear goals for the next leg. “We will meet again many government officials as well as entrepreneurs in that country,” he said, noting that Uzbek senior leaders had visited Hong Kong a few weeks ago. “This is a very good way to reciprocate their visit.” While Ma did not disclose specific MoUs being pursued for Uzbekistan, he confirmed he was looking forward to the trip – his first to the country, compared with three previous visits to Kazakhstan. On potential collaboration models, Ma pointed to growing financial linkages with Central Asia. He revealed that at least one portfolio company of the region’s sovereign fund is expected to list in Hong Kong, following in the footsteps of Kazakh entities using Hong Kong’s bond and equity markets. A mining company dual-listed in Hong Kong and Astana last year, he added. The Uzbekistan visit is set to build on this momentum, with Ma signaling that the TDC sees Central Asia as a long-term engagement priority. Edited by Edmond Fong

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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Hop On's bid to delay owners' meeting rejected

The Lands Tribunal on Tuesday rejected a request by the management company appointed to oversee Wang Fuk Court affairs to postpone an owners’ meeting. Responding to inquiries, the Home Affairs Department said Hop On Management will try its best to facilitate a meeting and safeguard the rights of all homeowners. The department stressed that Hop On has been carrying out its duties according to the law, and that it had sought to delay the meeting mainly because it needed more time to carry out relevant preparatory work. It added that the government will study the ruling which touched on the interpretation of the Building Management Ordinance. The tribunal pointed to difficulties in issuing meeting notices and holding meetings, and recognised efforts by the Home Affairs Department and Hop On in this regard, according to the department. Edited by Edmond Fong

South China Morning Post

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Hong Kong tribunal rejects request to postpone Wang Fuk Court owners’ meeting

The Lands Tribunal has dismissed a government-appointed administrator’s request to postpone an extraordinary general meeting of owners at Hong Kong’s fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court, ruling it lacks the authority to do so. Presiding officer Gary Lam Chin-ching on Tuesday urged Hop On Management Company to convene the meeting immediately so it could be held on June 13, in line with the requirements of the Building Management Ordinance. In a written judgment, Lam ruled that the ordinance did not...

South China Morning Post

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China’s SAIC plans to build first EU car plant in Spain’s Galicia

China’s SAIC Motor plans to set ⁠up a car ⁠factory in Spain’s ⁠northwestern region of Galicia that would be its first production facility in the European Union, the regional government said on Monday. Galicia’s leader Alfonso Rueda said his administration ‌had given strategic priority to the project, with an initial investment envisaged at around €200 million (US$232 million). The project, which includes a logistics hub, still requires the central government’s approval for foreign direct...

South China Morning Post

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Chinese PhD dropout turned whistle-blower exposes data fabrication by renowned scholars

A Chinese PhD dropout who has become a viral influencer exposing academic misconduct is building a growing army of followers eager to reveal ethical malpractice among scientific researchers. The former PhD candidate in bioscience at the prestigious Beihang University, Geng Hongwei, dropped out in 2025, and became a full-time whistle-blower with over two million followers on an online platform. Geng attracted public attention for a video in April, in which he questioned a paper from the team of...

South China Morning Post

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Hegseth tones down China rhetoric on return to Asia

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth told Asia’s biggest military conference that his country’s relations with China were “better than they’ve been in many years”, as he adopted a much less strident tone than at the same event 12 months ago. “President Trump and this administration seek a stable peace, fair trade and respectful relations with China,” Hegseth said on Saturday at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The two countries agreed to “build a constructive relationship of strategic...

RTHK News (Hong Kong)

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King Li appointed as dean of HK's third medical school

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has appointed renowned physician-scientist Professor King Li as the founding dean of its school of medicine, with his tenure beginning on Monday. HKUST said the appointment follows a rigorous global search that involved reviewing over 100 candidates across North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe. The university said Li was selected for his exceptional track record in academic leadership, medical education, biomedical innovation, as well as his experience in founding a new medical school. Li previously served as the founding dean of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign from 2016 to 2021, an institution widely regarded as a pioneer in engineering-based medical education. During his time there, he developed a technology-oriented curriculum and led the college’s early graduating cohorts achieve a 100 percent pass rate in licensing examinations. Li also received the Gold Medal of the Association of University Radiologists and holds 20 issued patents across the United States, Australia and Europe. Born and raised in Hong Kong before emigrating to Toronto as a teenager, Li said he is deeply honoured to return and contribute to a place where his roots lie. “In the beginning, I have never thought about coming back to Hong Kong,” he said. “But when President Ip approached me and presented me with something that I cannot refuse – the ability to contribute to a very, very important task that can influence not just locally, but potentially the entire country and the world, is something I can't really turn down.” He also pointed to the critical urgency of reforming Hong Kong's healthcare delivery through technology to cope with a rapidly ageing demographic. “It's something that is urgent and it's something I have done before. I see that the opportunity here is actually larger because we have an entire country that has already decided to head in this direction. We are actually working together, not against the entire country,” he said. When asked about how familiar he is with the SAR healthcare landscape, Li noted that he had maintained close ties with the local medical community throughout his time in the US, stressing that he will also be supported by a highly capable team on the ground. The President of HKUST, Professor Nancy Ip, said the university is honoured to welcome Li, saying his leadership will be central to building a globally competitive and locally relevant medical school. She added that the institution looks forward to working alongside the city’s other two medical schools. “As Dean Li mentioned earlier, we already have two outstanding medical schools in Hong Kong and our new medical school will work with them collaboratively” she said. “Together, all three medical schools will elevate the standing of the medical schools in Hong Kong in the international community.” HKUST plans to commence its four-year graduate-entry medicine and surgery programme in the 2028-29 academic year. Edited by Aaron Tam

South China Morning Post

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On fire safety, Hong Kong needs a mindset change

Hong Kong simply has not developed the right mindset with respect to fire safety. Unless prompt, effective action is taken, we could be looking at more tragedies like the Wang Fuk Court disaster in Tai Po. The numbers are stark and overwhelming, yet the context from which they have been derived is even more frightening. In January and February this year, the Fire Services Department inspected some 1,500 residential and mixed-use buildings planned at least 39 years ago. The exercise resulted in...

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타임라인 키워드

Hong Kong police launch search after man, 76, goes missing in Ma On Shan

HK firms will welcome direct Almaty flights: lawmaker

Three arrested for suspected illicit fuel activity

A Chinese robotics start-up beat Nvidia on a global AI ranking. Is a new tech war brewing?

It’s back – revived TEDxHongKong challenges assumptions and reframes beliefs

Trump says may leave UFC arena on White House lawn permanently

China, EU slam proposed US tariffs, reject forced labour allegations

FBI kill man holding hostages in California after 12-hour standoff following bomb threat

How Japan and the Philippines are building a maritime security front against China

India hotel fire kills at least 21

Education MoUs boost HK-Kazakhstan ties: CE

HK can be key renewable energy hub: Kazakh expert

TDC chair eyes Uzbekistan opportunities in next stop

Hop On's bid to delay owners' meeting rejected

Hong Kong tribunal rejects request to postpone Wang Fuk Court owners’ meeting

China’s SAIC plans to build first EU car plant in Spain’s Galicia

Chinese PhD dropout turned whistle-blower exposes data fabrication by renowned scholars

Hegseth tones down China rhetoric on return to Asia

King Li appointed as dean of HK's third medical school

On fire safety, Hong Kong needs a mindset change