One of China’s largest waste-to-energy operators has filed for an initial public offering in Hong Kong, aiming to raise capital to support expansion projects and strengthen its position in the country’s fast-growing environmental services sector.

The company, widely regarded as a national champion in converting municipal solid waste into electricity, submitted its listing application to the Hong Kong exchange this week.

Proceeds from the offering are expected to be directed toward new plant construction, technological upgrades and potential acquisitions, as China continues to scale up urban waste treatment capacity alongside its broader clean energy transition.

Waste-to-energy facilities incinerate household refuse to generate power, reducing landfill reliance while producing electricity for local grids.

Industry data show that China has become the world’s largest waste-to-energy market by installed capacity, driven by rapid urbanisation, tightening environmental standards and policy incentives encouraging renewable and low-carbon power generation.

The listing comes at a time when Hong Kong is positioning itself as a preferred offshore fundraising hub for mainland companies in strategic sectors, including green infrastructure and sustainable energy.

Market participants note that investor appetite for environmental, social and governance-linked assets has remained resilient, even amid broader volatility in equity markets.

Financial disclosures in the prospectus indicate steady revenue growth in recent years, supported by long-term concession agreements with municipal governments.

Analysts say the company’s scale and geographic diversification across multiple provinces provide operational stability, although sector participants continue to face regulatory adjustments and evolving tariff frameworks.

The IPO filing underscores renewed activity in Hong Kong’s primary market pipeline, with several mainland firms exploring listings to finance expansion and refinance debt.

For China’s waste-to-energy industry, access to international capital through Hong Kong could provide additional momentum as policymakers intensify efforts to improve urban waste management and advance carbon reduction targets.

Final pricing details and the timetable for the offering will be determined following regulatory review and investor roadshows, with market observers watching closely to gauge demand for large-scale green infrastructure assets.

Hongkong Land has cancelled 170,000 ordinary shares after repurchasing them on the open market, the company confirmed in a regulatory filing, as part of its continuing capital management programme.

The cancellation reduces the group’s total issued share capital and is intended to enhance earnings per share and long-term shareholder value.

Share buybacks have become an increasingly prominent tool for the Asian property developer as it seeks to signal confidence in its balance sheet strength and underlying asset base.

The latest move forms part of an authorised repurchase mandate approved by shareholders, allowing the company to acquire shares periodically when market conditions are deemed favourable.

By cancelling the repurchased shares rather than holding them in treasury, Hongkong Land effectively lowers the number of shares outstanding, potentially improving key financial metrics.

Market participants note that the company’s shares have at times traded at a discount to its reported net asset value, prompting management to deploy surplus capital toward buybacks.

Analysts say such actions can provide support to the share price while offering a disciplined approach to capital allocation, particularly in a property cycle characterised by cautious investment sentiment.

Hongkong Land, which holds prime commercial and mixed-use developments across Hong Kong, Singapore and other Asian markets, has in recent months emphasised balance sheet resilience and prudent financial management amid evolving macroeconomic conditions.

The company has also highlighted stable occupancy across core assets and continued interest in its premium office portfolio.

The cancellation of the 170,000 shares takes immediate effect, with the updated share count reflected in subsequent regulatory disclosures.

Investors will be watching whether further buybacks follow as the group continues to assess market conditions and capital deployment priorities.

Rising geopolitical tensions, shifting interest rate expectations and uneven recovery in key sectors have prompted a noticeable shift among Hong Kong investors toward perceived safe-haven assets, with both gold and stablecoins attracting heightened attention.

Spot gold prices have remained elevated in recent months, supported by global demand for assets traditionally viewed as stores of value during periods of uncertainty.

Local bullion dealers report steady retail interest, particularly among investors seeking diversification away from equities and property, two pillars of Hong Kong’s wealth base that have experienced bouts of volatility.

At the same time, stablecoins — digital tokens pegged to fiat currencies such as the U.S. dollar — are increasingly part of the city’s financial conversation.

Market participants say demand has grown among tech-savvy investors looking for liquidity and currency exposure without direct participation in cryptocurrency price swings.

The appeal lies in their relative price stability compared with more volatile digital assets, as well as their utility in cross-border transactions.

Hong Kong’s authorities have been advancing a regulatory framework for stablecoin issuers, aiming to position the city as a credible and well-supervised digital asset hub.

Policymakers argue that clear licensing requirements and reserve standards can mitigate risks while encouraging innovation in financial technology.

Industry observers note that regulatory clarity has become a decisive factor for institutional participants evaluating digital asset exposure.

The parallel rise of gold and stablecoins reflects a broader recalibration of risk appetite.

While gold represents a centuries-old hedge against inflation and currency weakness, stablecoins symbolize a modern evolution of cash management within digital ecosystems.

Both instruments serve, in different ways, as responses to uncertainty in traditional markets.

Analysts caution that neither asset class is immune to risk.

Gold prices can fluctuate with shifts in monetary policy and investor sentiment, while stablecoins depend on the credibility of their backing reserves and regulatory oversight.

Yet the growing prominence of both in Hong Kong’s market landscape underscores how investors are blending traditional and digital strategies to navigate an increasingly complex financial environment.

Hong Kong’s Filmart is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary with a renewed emphasis on international collaboration and media innovation, underscoring its transformation from a regional film trading platform into one of Asia’s most influential entertainment marketplaces.

Launched in the mid-1990s as a modest venue for film distribution deals, the annual event has expanded into a sprawling showcase for film, television, streaming, animation and digital content.

Organisers say participation now spans dozens of countries and regions, with thousands of exhibitors and buyers gathering to negotiate co-production agreements, licensing arrangements and financing partnerships.

This year’s milestone edition has placed particular focus on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence in content production, virtual production techniques and cross-platform storytelling strategies.

Industry panels have explored how Asian producers are positioning themselves amid shifting global demand, streaming consolidation and tighter investment conditions.

Officials and trade representatives have highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between Mainland China and international markets, noting that the city’s legal framework, financial infrastructure and creative talent base continue to make it an attractive hub for cross-border media ventures.

Co-production forums and investment pitching sessions have drawn heightened interest as producers seek diversified funding sources in a more cautious capital environment.

Participants say the event’s longevity reflects its ability to adapt to changing industry realities.

Over three decades, Filmart has weathered financial crises, technological disruption and pandemic-era restrictions, each time recalibrating its focus to align with evolving market needs.

The growing presence of streaming platforms and global studios at this year’s gathering signals the market’s continued relevance in shaping distribution pipelines across Asia and beyond.

As Filmart enters its fourth decade, organisers aim to deepen partnerships across Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe while reinforcing Hong Kong’s identity as a creative and commercial gateway.

The anniversary celebrations serve not only as a commemoration of the market’s origins, but as a statement of intent about its future as a central node in the global media ecosystem.

Shares in Hongkong Land have climbed by 15.5% in recent trading, marking one of the company’s most significant short-term gains in recent months and reigniting debate among investors about whether further upside remains.

The rally in the London-listed property developer comes against a backdrop of improving sentiment toward Asian commercial real estate, particularly in key markets such as Hong Kong and Singapore where the group maintains substantial prime assets.

Market participants point to a combination of factors behind the advance, including renewed confidence in regional office demand, signs of stabilisation in property valuations and expectations that interest rate pressures may ease over the coming quarters.

Hongkong Land, which is majority-owned by Jardine Matheson, has long been regarded as a bellwether for the health of Hong Kong’s Central district office market.

Any improvement in leasing activity or rental outlook tends to have an outsized impact on investor perception of the stock.

Recent corporate updates have highlighted efforts to strengthen balance sheet resilience, manage debt prudently and maintain occupancy across its premium portfolio.

Investors are also closely watching capital allocation decisions, including potential asset disposals, redevelopment projects and shareholder returns.

A sustained rebound in commercial property transactions across Asia has further supported optimism that asset values may have reached cyclical lows.

Despite the sharp move higher, analysts remain divided over whether the rally represents the beginning of a broader re-rating or a short-term reaction to improving macroeconomic signals.

Some argue that Hongkong Land continues to trade at a discount to its underlying net asset value, suggesting room for appreciation if rental markets firm and financing conditions improve.

Others caution that structural shifts in office usage, geopolitical uncertainty and mainland China’s economic trajectory could continue to weigh on demand.

The 15.5% gain has nevertheless drawn renewed attention to the stock, particularly among value-oriented investors seeking exposure to prime Asian real estate at what they view as depressed valuations.

As the property cycle shows tentative signs of stabilisation, the coming earnings updates and leasing data will likely determine whether the latest rally proves durable.

Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding its presence in global critical minerals markets, positioning mining and downstream processing as central pillars of its Vision 2030 economic transformation strategy.

The kingdom’s approach, built on large-scale state backing, international partnerships and infrastructure investment, is drawing attention in Europe as policymakers seek to secure supply chains for energy transition materials.

Riyadh has identified untapped mineral reserves—ranging from phosphate and bauxite to gold, copper and rare earth elements—as strategic national assets.

Government estimates suggest the value of these resources has risen substantially following updated geological surveys, reinforcing ambitions to transform mining into a major contributor to gross domestic product.

State-supported entities have expanded exploration licensing rounds and introduced incentives to attract foreign investment and technical expertise.

Beyond extraction, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in refining and processing capacity to capture more value domestically.

New industrial zones and logistics corridors are being developed to integrate mining operations with manufacturing clusters, while sovereign-backed funds are pursuing stakes in overseas mining projects to diversify supply sources.

Officials have framed the strategy as a long-term play to embed the kingdom in global supply chains for batteries, electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure.

European governments, meanwhile, have intensified efforts to reduce reliance on concentrated suppliers of critical raw materials.

Recent regulatory initiatives aim to boost domestic extraction, recycling and strategic partnerships with resource-rich nations.

Analysts note that Saudi Arabia’s model—combining regulatory reform, capital deployment and diplomatic outreach—offers practical insights into how state coordination can accelerate sector development.

The kingdom’s annual mining conferences have become prominent platforms for international dealmaking, underscoring its ambition to serve as a bridge between resource markets in Africa, Asia and Europe.

With global demand for transition minerals expected to rise sharply in the coming decades, Saudi Arabia’s integrated strategy illustrates how resource policy can be aligned with industrial diversification and geopolitical positioning.

As Europe refines its own critical minerals framework, the Saudi experience highlights the importance of long-term planning, supply chain integration and coordinated investment in both upstream and downstream capabilities.

The US Supreme Court has struck down President Donald Trump’s broad emergency tariff programme, ruling that the president exceeded his authority by relying on a 1977 emergency statute to impose sweeping duties without congressional approval.

In a six-to-three decision, the Court held that the Constitution vests taxing power in Congress, invalidating tariffs imposed in April 2025 under a declared national emergency tied to trade deficits.

The ruling directly nullifies the reciprocal tariffs applied to imports from most trading partners and follows earlier duties imposed on Canada, China and Mexico under an anti-drug trafficking rationale.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, concluded that the statute invoked does not mention tariffs and cannot be used to create them.

The dissent, authored by Justice Brett Kavanaugh and joined by Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, argued that the tariffs were lawful under the statute’s text, history and precedent, even if debatable as policy.

The dissent also warned that the decision leaves unresolved the status of billions of dollars already collected.

Confirmed vs unclear: What is confirmed is that the Court invalidated tariffs imposed under the emergency statute and left in place other, narrower tariff authorities available to the president / What’s still unclear is how and when refund claims tied to more than $133bn collected will be processed and whether alternative statutory routes will sustain parts of the tariff framework.

The Treasury has collected over $133bn in duties under the emergency measures, and companies including Costco have filed refund suits.

The Court declined to decide the refund issue, signalling separate proceedings that could extend for years and complicate importers’ balance sheets.

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the broader economic cost of the tariff regime could approach $3tn over a decade, intensifying scrutiny of the programme’s fiscal and consumer effects.

Polling has indicated limited public support amid concerns over living costs.

Administration officials have indicated they will seek to maintain elements of the tariff architecture using alternative statutes that provide more limited authority.

The decision therefore constrains the emergency route while preserving executive tools embedded elsewhere in trade law.

The judgment marks a significant boundary-setting moment between the branches on trade and taxation.

It is the first time a central plank of the president’s declared trade agenda has been invalidated by the Supreme Court during his current term, underscoring the constitutional allocation of revenue powers even as trade policy remains an arena of executive initiative.

Thousands of bank employees in Hong Kong returned to work after the Lunar New Year holiday to receive traditional lai see bonuses, with several major lenders supplementing the customary red packets with additional gifts and benefits amid signs of improving economic and market sentiment.

The practice of distributing lai see — red envelopes containing cash — on the first working day of the Lunar New Year remains a longstanding corporate tradition in the city, symbolising appreciation and good fortune for the year ahead.

In recent years, many financial institutions have opted to distribute the cash gifts before the holiday, alongside festive hampers and other tokens of appreciation.

Bank of China (Hong Kong) confirmed that each of its approximately 15,000 employees will receive HK$500 to mark the Year of the Horse, maintaining the same amount as in previous years.

However, the bank expanded its festive hamper this year, increasing the number of items to eight from six.

The basket includes premium ingredients such as mushrooms, morel mushrooms, dried scallops, fish maw, XO sauce, dried conch, pistachios and American ginseng — items traditionally associated with prosperity and health.

HSBC and its subsidiary Hang Seng Bank are also distributing HK$500 to each of their combined workforce of nearly 26,000 employees through electronic transfers, bringing the total payout to about HK$13 million.

The distribution represents the largest aggregate lai see allocation among Hong Kong’s banks this year.

In her New Year message to staff, Maggie Ng, chief executive of HSBC Hong Kong, said the Year of the Horse symbolises vitality, speed and success.

She expressed confidence that the year ahead would present opportunities for the bank to leverage its collective strengths in serving customers and capturing growth.

The enhanced festive gestures come as Hong Kong’s financial sector benefits from stabilising capital markets and a rebound in cross-border activity, with banks seeking to reinforce staff morale and signal optimism for the months ahead.

While the monetary amounts remain consistent with previous years, the expanded hampers and public messaging reflect a broader tone of renewed confidence within the city’s banking industry.

Hong Kong is intensifying efforts to strengthen the connection between its tourism industry and trade partners in the United Kingdom, building on robust bilateral economic ties and renewed travel demand.

The city’s tourism and trade agencies are actively engaging UK partners through partnerships, trade missions and promotional initiatives to boost visitor numbers and commercial exchange.

Economic data show a significant expansion in bilateral commerce between Hong Kong and the UK, with total merchandise trade reaching approximately £14.9 billion in 2025, up more than a quarter from the previous year.

Hong Kong continues to serve as an important entrepôt for UK goods, and UK companies maintain a notable presence in Hong Kong’s financial, professional services and investment sectors, underscoring the deep commercial relationship between the two markets.

This trade foundation provides fertile ground for tourism cooperation as travel resumes strongly following the pandemic.

In recent years, tourism officials and industry partners have worked closely with UK tour operators and travel agents to promote Hong Kong as an attractive destination for British travellers.

A prominent example is the partnership between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and UK-based Wendy Wu Tours, which aims to champion travel to the Greater Bay Area through tailored tour packages and training support for trade partners.

These collaborations give UK agents enhanced tools to sell Hong Kong experiences and help position the city at the heart of multi-destination itineraries in Asia.

Trade-focused missions and events have also helped reinforce links.

In 2025, Invest Hong Kong co-hosted a UK technology trade delegation as part of a broader mission, bringing British firms and Hong Kong stakeholders together to explore innovation and commercial opportunities.

Such engagements highlight the interwoven nature of trade and tourism objectives, where economic cooperation complements visitor attraction efforts.

Tourism authorities are aligning these outreach activities with long-term strategic goals outlined in Hong Kong’s Blueprint 2.0, which emphasizes Hong Kong’s role as an international tourism hub with world-class travel experiences.

By emphasising quality in services, cultural exchange and sustainability, officials seek to elevate Hong Kong’s appeal to global visitors, including those from the UK, and to strengthen tourism’s contribution to broader economic ties.

Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between East and West, and its position as a gateway for UK businesses into Asia, further underpin initiatives that link tourism with trade.

With growing demand for international travel and strong commercial foundations, cooperation between Hong Kong and UK partners is set to deepen, fostering mutual economic and cultural benefits in the years ahead.

The four-day Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress concluded successfully in Hong Kong last week, marking a major milestone for the international ophthalmic community.

The event, which ran from February five to eight, 2026, brought together more than eleven thousand ophthalmologists, vision scientists and eye care professionals from 111 countries and regions, reaffirming Hong Kong’s role as a global hub for clinical and scientific exchange in eye health.

Organised by the APAO and co-hosted with the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society and the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong, the congress featured an extensive agenda under the theme “Eyes on the Future: Innovating Ophthalmology.” Participants engaged in over 1,200 specialised sessions spanning 19 subspecialties, covering foundational clinical areas such as cataract, cornea, glaucoma and retina, as well as emerging topics like artificial intelligence, digital innovation and virtual health.

More than 1,000 distinguished speakers delivered presentations, lectures and discussions aimed at advancing the clinical application and translational impact of cutting-edge technologies.

Delegates explored both established and novel approaches to diagnosis, treatment and research, generating insight that contributed to a dynamic and collaborative scientific environment.

A highlight of the congress was the formation of Hong Kong’s first Interdisciplinary Myopia Control Expert Task Force, involving four major local ophthalmic organisations.

The task force will integrate academic research, clinical services and public education to propose comprehensive myopia control strategies to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, promoting cost-effective, long-term solutions that leverage advancements such as wearable technology and AI-assisted therapies.

To further strengthen regional cooperation, multiple societies from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening long-term collaboration in ophthalmology.

The congress also witnessed the establishment of new international bodies including the Global Ophthalmic Artificial Intelligence and Technology Society and the Asia-Pacific Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Society, which aim to accelerate innovation and the clinical translation of advanced treatments across the region and beyond.

APA O 2026’s successful conclusion underscored the value of sustained global collaboration in combating visual impairment and advancing ophthalmic science, while showcasing Hong Kong’s capacity to host major international scientific forums that shape the future of eye care.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has issued a strong denunciation of the 20-year prison sentence imposed on Hong Kong media entrepreneur and pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai, characterising the ruling as both unjust and tragic and urging Chinese and Hong Kong authorities to reconsider the outcome.

Lai, a 78-year-old British citizen and founder of the now-closed Apple Daily newspaper, was sentenced on February 9, 2026, following convictions under Hong Kong’s national security law for conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials.

Rubio said the sentence illustrates the extraordinary lengths to which Beijing will go to silence advocates of fundamental freedoms in the city and called for humanitarian parole to allow Lai to spend his remaining years with his family.

“Twenty years in prison for a man of his age is an unjust and tragic conclusion to this case,” Rubio said in a statement, urging authorities to grant Lai humanitarian parole after enduring a trial lasting more than two years and detention of over five years.

He said the sentence appears to cast aside commitments made under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, which guaranteed Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy and protections for civil liberties.

The U.S. response reflects broader international concern over the erosion of press freedom and democratic expression in Hong Kong since the imposition of the national security law by Beijing in 2020. Rubio’s comments were echoed by other lawmakers and advocates who have called for intensified diplomatic engagement to secure Lai’s release and defend human rights in the region.

Rubio additionally emphasised that the punishment sends a troubling message about the state of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong.

He framed the plea for parole not only in humanitarian terms but also as part of a wider effort to uphold international norms and safeguard individuals who champion open discourse and democratic values.

The call for action aligns with sustained pressure from U.S. officials to raise Lai’s case in high-level discussions with Chinese leadership.

The international outcry highlights the geopolitical complexities surrounding Hong Kong’s evolving legal environment and its implications for global perceptions of rule of law and individual liberties.

Advocates argue that securing humanitarian parole for Lai would demonstrate a commitment to humane treatment and respect for basic rights, even amid unresolved political tensions.

Early signals of a potential artificial intelligence price war are emerging as Chinese model providers introduce sharply discounted subscription tiers while US companies respond with more affordable and performance-optimized releases.

The shift is placing pressure on assumptions that leading American AI groups can sustain premium pricing and software-like margins over the long term.

China-based Zhipu AI has introduced entry-level access priced at roughly three dollars per month, substantially below the approximately twenty-dollar monthly consumer tiers commonly offered by major US providers.

Developer-facing token pricing has also been positioned as materially cheaper, particularly for output tokens, which tend to drive higher costs in large-scale deployments.

US companies have begun adjusting.

Anthropic recently rolled out an updated default version of its Claude Sonnet model, describing it as faster and more affordable while maintaining advanced coding and task-execution capabilities.

The broader commercial pattern shows premium features migrating into standard tiers as providers compete aggressively for enterprise adoption and developer loyalty.

At the same time, token usage across routing platforms has accelerated as so-called agentic systems run multi-step processes continuously rather than generating single responses.

This development increases inference demand and makes per-token pricing a central procurement benchmark for businesses managing large AI workloads.

Margin dynamics could shift rapidly in a lower-price environment.

When “good enough” performance becomes available at sharply reduced cost, vendors must defend profitability through infrastructure efficiency, bundled services, enterprise governance tools, or reliability guarantees.

High valuations built on sustained premium pricing face scrutiny if price compression outpaces usage growth.

Chinese AI model capabilities are also converging more quickly with US offerings in coding and agent-style execution tasks.

While Western markets remain constrained by regulatory and procurement considerations, the competitive gap on performance for certain use cases appears narrower than in earlier development phases.

Hardware remains a decisive factor in this equation.

US AI leaders have benefited from broad access to advanced Nvidia accelerators and mature software ecosystems.

China, facing restrictions on leading-edge US chips, is investing heavily in alternative accelerator development and domestic supply chains, alongside efforts to improve model efficiency.

The assertion that the United States’ only AI advantage lies in Nvidia hardware, and that it will disappear once China produces cheaper and more powerful domestic chips, is not yet supported by confirmed large-scale commercial outcomes.

China’s direction of travel toward indigenous AI hardware is evident, but production scale, ecosystem maturity, and sustained performance parity remain uncertain.

Investor focus is now shifting toward whether inference demand can expand fast enough to offset falling unit prices.

If enterprise adoption and agent-driven workloads continue accelerating, overall revenue may rise despite lower per-token rates.

If not, margin expectations across major AI providers could face downward revision.

The Hong Kong Security Bureau has updated its outbound travel guidance for Japan, urging residents who plan to visit or are already there to exercise heightened caution amid a series of safety concerns.

The advisory reflects a growing trend of incidents involving attacks on Chinese nationals in Japan since mid-2025, and it aims to ensure that travellers remain vigilant and well informed about evolving conditions.

In its updated travel alert, the bureau reminded prospective visitors and current travellers to monitor local announcements about safety developments closely and to pay attention to consular information issued by Chinese diplomatic missions in Japan.

The advice comes alongside a broader travel warning from mainland Chinese authorities, which have similarly advised their citizens to reconsider travel plans to the country in light of recent events.

The Hong Kong advisory highlights that incidents affecting the safety of Chinese nationals in Japan have attracted attention, prompting authorities to reinforce the importance of personal security.

Travellers are also encouraged to stay aware of natural and public safety developments, such as local emergency notices, while making necessary preparations ahead of their trips.

While no specific travel bans have been instituted, the updated guidance underscores the importance of informed decision-making and vigilance when travelling internationally.

Hong Kong residents who require assistance overseas are advised to contact relevant consular services for support and to keep abreast of the latest safety information before and during their visit.

Hong Kong is approaching a pivotal moment in its long-term stablecoin strategy as the city’s regulatory regime for digital assets transitions from design to implementation, signalling a climactic stage in its bid to become a leading stablecoin hub.

Hong Kong formally brought its Stablecoins Ordinance into force on August 1, 2025, establishing one of the most structured regulatory frameworks in Asia for fiat-referenced stablecoins and requiring any issuer of such digital assets to hold a licence from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA).

Under the regime, stablecoin issuance, redemption mechanisms, reserve management and anti-money-laundering safeguards are subject to detailed supervision designed to balance innovation with financial stability safeguards.

Throughout 2025, the HKMA worked to finalise guidelines and publish explanatory notes clarifying licensing procedures and transitional provisions for existing market participants.

This groundwork has prepared the authority to begin reviewing licence applications and assessing operational readiness among prospective issuers.

Industry participants and observers note that the initial uptake of the licensing regime could have outsized implications for Hong Kong’s broader virtual asset ecosystem and cross-border financial connectivity.

By establishing clear legal parameters for stablecoin issuers and offering predictability to investors, the city aims to attract global digital finance firms seeking regulated access to Asia’s markets.

Market flows and experimental issuance under earlier sandbox initiatives engaged selected participants in testing real-world stablecoin frameworks, indicating a depth of preparatory work behind the scenes.

Beyond industry interest, authorities have pursued stablecoin regulation in parallel with broader digital asset and tokenisation agendas, often discussing connectivity with international partners.

Although no stablecoin licences have yet been publicly granted, stakeholders anticipate that 2026 will see the first wave of licensed issuers, marking a transition from legislative achievement to active market participation.

As regulators and firms navigate this early licensing phase, Hong Kong’s stablecoin policy is set to shift from concept and testing toward operational reality, reflecting a quiet but significant climax in its digital finance evolution.

Private real estate investors are showing renewed interest in Hong Kong’s property market, as easing prices, improved financing conditions and increased mainland Chinese participation help stabilise a sector that has endured several years of decline.

Recent transaction data indicate a rise in high-end residential sales, particularly in traditionally sought-after districts on Hong Kong Island and in parts of Kowloon.

Property agents report that private buyers, including family offices and high-net-worth individuals, have become more active since late 2025, encouraged by price corrections that have brought valuations down significantly from their pandemic-era peaks.

Residential property prices in Hong Kong had fallen for multiple consecutive years amid higher global interest rates, subdued economic growth and shifting migration patterns.

However, analysts now point to early signs of consolidation, with transaction volumes improving and discounting pressures easing.

Several notable luxury deals in recent months have reinforced perceptions that the market may be nearing a cyclical bottom.

Mainland Chinese buyers are once again playing a visible role.

Industry data show an uptick in cross-border purchases following policy adjustments that simplified stamp duty structures and relaxed certain cooling measures.

While overall volumes remain below historic highs, estate agencies say mainland demand has provided important support to prime residential segments.

Commercial property continues to face headwinds, particularly in the office sector where vacancy rates remain elevated.

By contrast, segments of the residential market appear to be benefiting from lower financing costs as expectations grow that global interest rates may stabilise or ease.

Market participants say improved liquidity conditions have made private acquisitions more attractive.

Developers have responded by adjusting pricing strategies and offering incentives to clear inventory, further stimulating activity among opportunistic investors.

At the same time, cautious sentiment persists, with buyers conducting extensive due diligence and negotiating firmly on price.

Economists note that Hong Kong’s long-term appeal as a financial centre, combined with limited land supply and its integration with the Greater Bay Area economy, continues to underpin structural demand.

While a full-scale rebound has yet to materialise, the recent pickup in private transactions suggests that confidence is gradually returning to one of the world’s most closely watched property markets.

A previously unknown Hong Kong-based entity has disclosed a $436 million stake in BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, igniting debate in financial markets over whether Chinese capital may be quietly gaining exposure to Bitcoin through U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds.

Regulatory filings covering the fourth quarter of 2025 revealed that a company named Laurore Ltd., registered in Hong Kong, reported holding approximately $436.2 million worth of shares in the iShares Bitcoin Trust, known by its ticker IBIT.

The size of the position immediately drew attention from analysts and crypto market observers.

Public records provide little information about Laurore Ltd., which appears to lack a visible corporate footprint, operational website, or prior investment disclosures.

The absence of publicly available detail has prompted speculation about the ultimate source of the funds, though no official documentation links the purchase to any Chinese state entity or mainland financial institution.

The development comes at a time when U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds have experienced intermittent net outflows, reflecting shifting investor sentiment amid volatile cryptocurrency prices.

The emergence of a substantial new IBIT holder contrasts with broader ETF flow data and suggests continued institutional appetite for regulated Bitcoin exposure.

China maintains strict restrictions on cryptocurrency trading and mining within the mainland.

However, Hong Kong operates under a distinct financial and regulatory framework that permits access to certain digital asset investment vehicles.

Market participants note that regulated ETF products may offer an indirect pathway for capital with regional ties to access Bitcoin markets, though this remains speculative.

Analysts caution against drawing definitive conclusions about the identity or motivations of the investor behind the filing.

While the scale of the holding is significant, there is no verified evidence that Chinese firms or state-backed entities are orchestrating coordinated Bitcoin accumulation through U.S. ETFs.

The disclosure nonetheless underscores the evolving global footprint of Bitcoin investment flows and highlights the growing role of exchange-traded products in bridging jurisdictions with differing regulatory regimes.

Chinese technology companies are increasingly elevating millennials and even Gen Z researchers to chief scientist roles, signalling a generational shift in leadership as the country intensifies its push into artificial intelligence and robotics.

Among the most closely watched appointments is Vinces Yao Shunyu, who turns 28 this year.

A former OpenAI researcher, Yao joined Tencent Holdings in December as chief AI scientist under the chief executive’s office, reporting directly to company president Martin Lau Chi-ping.

His arrival underscores Tencent’s ambition to strengthen its core AI research capabilities amid fierce global competition.

A graduate of Princeton University and Tsinghua University, Yao was a core contributor to OpenAI’s early AI agent projects, including systems known as Operator and Deep Research.

In January, his first paper co-authored after joining Tencent was published, arguing that “context learning” should be placed at the centre of future model design to optimise artificial intelligence systems.

Tencent continues to retain veteran expertise alongside its younger recruits.

Zhang Zhengyou, a renowned computer vision specialist who joined the company in 2018 after two decades at Google, remains chief scientist.

Zhang received the Helmholtz Prize in 2013 for the Zhang Camera Calibration Method, a widely used technique that significantly advanced three-dimensional computer vision.

Other companies have followed a similar pattern.

PrimeBot, the robotics arm under Shanghai-listed Swancor Advanced Materials and now controlled by robotics unicorn AgiBot, named Peking University professor Dong Hao as chief scientist in early January.

Born after 1990, Dong is a tenured associate professor at Peking University’s School of Computer Science and earned his doctorate at Imperial College London.

AgiBot itself appointed Luo Jianlan, 33, as chief scientist last year.

Luo previously worked at Google X and Google DeepMind, collaborating closely with prominent AI researcher Sergey Levine, co-founder of San Francisco-based start-up Physical Intelligence.

The wave of appointments reflects China’s broader strategy to cultivate world-class research talent at a younger age, empowering emerging scientists to steer breakthroughs in foundation models, embodied intelligence and robotics.

Industry analysts note that younger leaders, often trained abroad and experienced in leading-edge laboratories, are being entrusted with greater autonomy as companies seek to accelerate innovation cycles and compete with global peers.

The trend suggests that generational renewal is becoming a defining feature of China’s next phase of technological development, particularly in disciplines where rapid iteration and experimental thinking are central to progress.

Large crowds continued to fill Hong Kong’s major attractions on the third day of the Lunar New Year, even as official figures showed a nearly 16 per cent increase in net outbound travel during the holiday period.

From mid-morning, queues formed at landmark destinations including The Peak and Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin, while authorities reported that between 500 and 999 visitors were recorded at the East Dam of the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung from noon.

The steady footfall reflected resilient local and inbound tourism activity despite many residents travelling abroad during the festive break.

Real-time updates from the Hong Kong Tourism Board indicated that by around 1.30pm waiting times at the Tung Chung terminus of the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, the Central terminus of The Peak Tram and the ferris wheel at the Central Harbourfront had all exceeded an hour.

Cross-harbour ferry services were also operating at high capacity, with passengers facing waits of at least 30 minutes.

In Central, long lines of mainland Chinese and overseas tourists extended through the underpass beside The Peak Tram terminus, where police officers were deployed along Garden Road to manage the flow of visitors.

Among those queuing was Zhu Lingqin, a 67-year-old retiree visiting for the first time with her family of six from Hangzhou.

The group booked a two-night stay at the Hopewell Hotel in Wan Chai at a cost of about HK$4,000 (US$512) per night.

She said they had enjoyed watching the fireworks display from their room on the 44th floor.

The sustained crowds underscore Hong Kong’s continued appeal as a regional holiday destination, even as outbound travel rebounds strongly during peak festive periods.

Chinese scientists say they have achieved record-breaking advances on a more than three-century-old mathematical puzzle by harnessing artificial intelligence, marking a significant step forward in high-dimensional geometry research.

The team used an AI system called PackingStar to tackle the “kissing number” problem, a long-standing challenge in geometry that asks how many non-overlapping spheres can simultaneously touch a central sphere.

First debated in 1694 by English polymath Isaac Newton and Scottish mathematician David Gregory, the problem has remained notoriously difficult to solve in higher dimensions.

According to a research paper published in November on the open-access repository arXiv, the AI-driven approach enabled the researchers to surpass what they described as the limits of human geometric intuition and conventional computing techniques.

The work has not yet undergone peer review.

The researchers, drawn from Peking University, Fudan University and the Shanghai Academy of AI for Science, said their results demonstrated AI’s ability to navigate and analyse complex, high-dimensional spaces that are often beyond traditional mathematical reasoning.

In a video released by Peking University, the team described their collaboration with the system as a “romance” between scientists and machines exploring science together.

The kissing number problem is of more than theoretical interest.

Advances in understanding sphere packings and high-dimensional configurations have applications in coding theory, large-scale data storage and advanced telecommunications, where efficient signal transmission and error correction depend on optimal geometric arrangements.

By combining machine-driven search strategies with human mathematical oversight, the researchers reported establishing new lower bounds in specific high-dimensional cases, pushing beyond previously known results.

They argued that the findings highlight how artificial intelligence can reshape established mathematical intuitions and accelerate progress on problems that have resisted solution for centuries.

The work contributes to a growing body of research in which AI systems are deployed not merely as computational tools but as active partners in mathematical discovery, offering fresh perspectives on classical problems.

Maersk has announced an increase in its peak season surcharge for cargo shipped from China and Hong Kong to Kenya, signalling continued pressure on freight rates along key Asia–East Africa trade corridors.

The Danish shipping group said the adjustment would apply to containerised shipments moving to Mombasa, Kenya’s main port, reflecting sustained seasonal demand, equipment imbalances and broader network costs.

Peak season surcharges are typically introduced or revised when carriers face higher operating expenses or capacity constraints during periods of intensified cargo movement.

Industry participants noted that trade between Asia and East Africa has remained firm, driven by consumer goods imports, infrastructure materials and project cargo linked to regional development.

Shipping lines have also been navigating schedule disruptions and fluctuating container availability across global routes, factors that can contribute to higher ancillary charges.

Maersk indicated that the updated surcharge would take effect in the coming weeks, subject to standard contractual terms and local regulatory requirements.

The company did not characterise the move as unusual, describing it instead as part of routine rate management during periods of elevated demand.

Freight forwarders operating in the corridor said exporters and importers are closely monitoring cost adjustments, particularly as logistics expenses feed into retail prices and project budgets in East Africa’s largest economy.

Kenya serves as a gateway for landlocked neighbours, meaning changes in shipping charges can ripple across the wider region.

The surcharge increase comes amid broader volatility in global shipping markets, where carriers continue to recalibrate pricing structures in response to evolving trade flows, geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain realignments.

Analysts say such adjustments are likely to remain a feature of the market as peak season dynamics persist.

Pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai’s sentencing to twenty years in prison under Hong Kong’s national security legislation has reverberated across Taiwan, where politicians, activists and analysts framed the ruling as a stark signal about the vulnerabilities of civil liberties under the “one country, two systems” framework.

Lai, aged seventy-eight, was convicted of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and publishing seditious materials, marking the harshest sentence yet under the security law since its enactment in 2020. His punishment has drawn international scrutiny and domestic condemnation in Taiwan, where authorities said the outcome not only strips him of personal liberty but also undermines freedoms of speech and press once protected in Hong Kong.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council described the ruling as trampling basic rights and urged citizens to see Lai’s fate as a caution for their own hard-won democratic system.

Taiwan’s president said the sentence exposed the security law as a tool of political persecution that imperils universal rights and freedoms.

The government’s response underscored deep scepticism about the viability of “one country, two systems” as a model for Taiwan’s future, noting that the framework was originally promoted to facilitate peaceful reunification but has instead coincided with an erosion of promised autonomy in Hong Kong, according to analysts.

Civic groups, including Hong Kong exiles residing in Taiwan, rallied outside the legislature to express solidarity with Lai and protest what they described as politically motivated repression.

They warned that China’s expansive interpretation of security offences could be used to constrict public discourse, academic exchange and civil society on the island.

Lai’s sentence has also prompted international reactions, with human rights groups and foreign governments urging respect for freedoms and calling for his release while China and Hong Kong authorities insisted the ruling reflected legitimate enforcement of national security.

The case has become a pivotal reference point in cross-strait discourse over democratic resilience, press freedom and the limits of Beijing’s influence beyond its jurisdiction.

Hong Kong and neighbouring Guangdong were alight with festive splendour as the Hong Kong Jockey Club sponsored a dazzling “Prosperity Gallops Across Hong Kong” display to herald the Year of the Horse.

On the second day of Chinese New Year, crowds gathered along both sides of Victoria Harbour to witness an elaborate fireworks show over the water, featuring horse-inspired motifs and auspicious symbols.

More than 31,800 pyrotechnic shells were launched in a 23-minute programme that blended traditional elements with dynamic visual themes celebrating the vitality and momentum associated with the horse zodiac.

The event formed part of a broader series of Lunar New Year festivities that included citywide night parades and cultural celebrations.

Simultaneously, in Conghua, Guangzhou, approximately 1,200 drones combined with fireworks to produce a complementary night-sky spectacle, projecting imagery of galloping horses and symbols of good fortune.

The dual presentations underscored the club’s commitment to fostering community spirit and cultural exchange across the Greater Bay Area.

Officiating guests in Hong Kong, including senior government representatives, lauded the display as a symbol of prosperity and unity.

Commentators noted that the celebrations coincided with the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, with officials emphasising Hong Kong’s ongoing integration into national development and its role as a vibrant, forward-looking global city.

The festivities are part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Year of the Horse campaign, which also incorporates vibrant night parades, equestrian events and family-friendly activities designed to engage residents and visitors alike.

A highlight on the calendar is the Year of the Horse Raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse, a popular tradition that adds sporting excitement to the holiday period.

By blending cultural heritage with large-scale public celebrations, the club’s programme has helped to anchor Lunar New Year as a moment of shared joy and optimism, with visual splendour reflecting both local identity and broader festive spirit.

Hong Kong International Airport will open its newly developed Terminal 2 departure hall on 27 May, marking a significant step in the airport’s long-term expansion strategy aimed at strengthening its role as a global aviation hub.

Airport authorities confirmed that the new departure facilities form part of the wider three-runway system project, designed to enhance passenger handling capacity and modernise infrastructure.

The revamped Terminal 2 will focus primarily on departures, integrating advanced check-in systems, streamlined security processes and expanded retail and dining options.

Officials said the reopening reflects steady progress in restoring and surpassing pre-pandemic passenger volumes.

The airport has experienced sustained recovery in international traffic, supported by the return of long-haul routes and increased regional connectivity.

The new departure hall is expected to feature smart airport technologies, including automated check-in kiosks, biometric-enabled processing and improved baggage handling systems.

Authorities indicated that these upgrades are intended to reduce congestion and improve overall passenger flow.

The development is part of a broader investment programme aimed at increasing annual passenger capacity and reinforcing Hong Kong’s competitiveness amid intensifying regional aviation competition.

The three-runway system, once fully operational, is projected to significantly boost aircraft movement capacity.

Industry analysts note that infrastructure enhancements are critical as major Asian airports expand to capture growing travel demand.

The reopening of Terminal 2’s departure hall is seen as both a practical upgrade and a symbolic signal of renewed momentum in Hong Kong’s aviation sector.

Airport management said additional phases of development will continue in parallel, aligning with long-term projections for passenger growth and cargo demand.

A previously little-known Hong Kong-based company has emerged as the largest new holder of BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, known by its ticker IBIT, after building a stake worth approximately $436 million in late 2025.

Recent regulatory disclosures indicate that the firm accumulated millions of shares in the exchange-traded fund over the final quarter of the year, positioning it among the most significant institutional investors in the product.

The size and speed of the purchases have drawn attention across digital asset markets, where large inflows into US-listed Bitcoin ETFs are closely monitored.

IBIT, launched as part of a wave of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds approved in the United States, has attracted substantial institutional capital since its debut.

The fund allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding the cryptocurrency, and it has become one of the largest vehicles of its kind globally.

Market analysts say the emergence of a Hong Kong-based investor as a major shareholder underscores the international reach of US-regulated digital asset products.

While Hong Kong has taken steps to position itself as a regional hub for virtual asset trading, access to US-listed ETFs remains an avenue for global investors seeking regulated exposure to Bitcoin.

The identity, ownership structure and strategic intent of the firm have not been widely detailed beyond the regulatory filing.

Observers note that cross-border investment flows into digital asset products can reflect a range of motivations, from long-term portfolio diversification to tactical positioning amid price volatility.

Bitcoin prices experienced notable fluctuations in late 2025, influenced by macroeconomic policy shifts, institutional adoption trends and regulatory developments across major markets.

Large ETF allocations are often interpreted as signals of institutional conviction or hedging strategies tied to broader asset allocation models.

The substantial IBIT position held by the Hong Kong entity is likely to prompt further scrutiny from market participants seeking clarity on the source and objectives of the capital.

For now, the filings confirm that a new and sizable international player has taken a prominent place among the fund’s shareholders, highlighting the continued globalisation of digital asset investment.

Hong Kong’s fashion industry is drawing renewed international interest as a diverse group of designers blend heritage, technical skill and contemporary experimentation to redefine the city’s creative footprint.

Among the names frequently highlighted is Robert Wun, whose sculptural couture and theatrical silhouettes have earned acclaim on European runways.

His intricate craftsmanship and narrative-driven collections have positioned him as one of Hong Kong’s most globally visible talents.

Angus Tsui has gained recognition for embedding sustainability at the heart of his brand, incorporating upcycled materials and circular design principles.

His work reflects a broader movement within the city’s fashion community to align creativity with environmental responsibility.

Designer Harrison Wong is known for minimalist tailoring that bridges Asian and Western aesthetics, offering sharply cut menswear with subtle detailing.

His approach exemplifies Hong Kong’s role as a cultural crossroads.

Meanwhile, brands such as Demo and IP Axis Industrial Studio experiment with deconstructed forms and architectural lines, exploring identity and modern urban life through bold textures and technical fabrics.

Rising talents including Bettie Haute Couture and Sau Lee have found audiences abroad by reinterpreting traditional Chinese elements — such as qipao-inspired silhouettes — for contemporary global consumers.

The city’s fashion ecosystem is also supported by incubators and showcase platforms that nurture emerging designers and connect them to international buyers.

Events, trade fairs and collaborative initiatives have played a central role in elevating local labels beyond the regional market.

Industry observers note that Hong Kong designers often balance commercial viability with conceptual ambition, a reflection of the city’s hybrid character as both financial hub and cultural gateway.

Despite economic headwinds in recent years, the fashion sector has continued to adapt through digital retail, cross-border partnerships and targeted expansion into overseas markets.

As global attention shifts increasingly toward Asian creative capitals, Hong Kong’s designers are leveraging their distinctive perspective — rooted in East-West dialogue and technical precision — to secure a stronger presence on the international stage.

Hong Kong-based companies have acted as intermediaries in supplying European technology to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine, according to a new investigative report that raises concerns about sanctions enforcement and export controls.

The report alleges that a network of trading firms registered in Hong Kong facilitated the transfer of sensitive components, including microelectronics and dual-use technologies, from European manufacturers to Russian entities.

Many of the items identified are subject to export restrictions imposed by the European Union and its allies following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Investigators claim the companies involved often served as middlemen, purchasing goods from European suppliers before re-exporting them onward to Russian buyers.

In some cases, the shipments were reportedly routed through multiple jurisdictions, complicating efforts to trace the final destination of the products.

Western governments have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia’s defence, aerospace and technology sectors in an effort to curb its military capabilities.

Enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that third-country intermediaries can be used to circumvent these restrictions, particularly for high-demand components such as semiconductors and industrial electronics.

Hong Kong authorities have previously stated that they implement and enforce United Nations sanctions but do not automatically adopt unilateral measures imposed by other jurisdictions.

The report is likely to intensify scrutiny over the territory’s role in global supply chains and its regulatory oversight of export-sensitive goods.

European officials have acknowledged ongoing challenges in preventing sanctioned technology from reaching Russia, noting that complex global trade networks and the commercial availability of dual-use items can make enforcement difficult.

Additional compliance measures, including tighter screening of re-export destinations and enhanced due diligence requirements, have been introduced in recent months.

Russia has maintained that it adapts its procurement channels in response to sanctions pressure.

Analysts say that restricting access to advanced technology remains a central element of Western strategy aimed at limiting Moscow’s capacity to sustain its military operations in Ukraine.

The findings are expected to prompt renewed debate over the effectiveness of existing sanctions frameworks and the responsibilities of intermediary jurisdictions in preventing the diversion of restricted goods to conflict zones.

Miu Miu has unveiled a new two-floor flagship store in Hong Kong, reinforcing the Italian fashion house’s strategic commitment to the city as a leading luxury retail destination in Asia.

Located in one of Hong Kong’s most prominent shopping districts, the newly opened boutique reflects the brand’s evolving global retail concept, combining architectural sophistication with immersive design.

The expansive store showcases the full spectrum of Miu Miu’s collections, including ready-to-wear, handbags, footwear, small leather goods and accessories.

The interior design blends refined materials with modern aesthetics, featuring polished metal accents, textured walls and curated display spaces intended to create an intimate yet dynamic shopping environment.

The layout separates product categories across two floors while maintaining visual continuity through open sightlines and sculptural installations.

Large storefront windows and carefully considered lighting aim to enhance the sense of space and transparency, drawing passers-by into a setting that balances minimalism with distinctive brand identity.

Seating areas and private fitting rooms have been integrated to elevate the customer experience, offering a personalised and comfortable environment aligned with the expectations of high-end clientele.

The opening comes as Hong Kong’s luxury retail sector continues to regain momentum, supported by returning international visitors and resilient domestic demand.

For global fashion houses, the city remains a critical gateway to mainland China and the broader Asia-Pacific market.

By investing in a flagship presence, Miu Miu signals confidence in Hong Kong’s enduring role as a centre for fashion, commerce and cultural exchange.

Industry analysts note that flagship expansions in prime retail districts often serve not only as commercial outlets but also as brand statements, designed to strengthen visibility and long-term positioning in competitive markets.

The new Hong Kong store is expected to host exclusive product launches and curated in-store events, further deepening engagement with local and regional customers.

Hong Kong and Thailand are advancing efforts to deepen technological and innovation cooperation as part of a broader strategy to strengthen economic and industrial links between the two dynamic Asian economies.

Officials and business leaders from both sides have engaged in a series of high-level dialogues, networking events and institutional collaborations that spotlight research and development, start-up exchange, and innovation platform building.

Delegations from Hong Kong’s Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and its Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok have joined with Thai counterparts and industry partners for seminars and joint discussions aimed at expanding opportunities in innovation, technology transfer, and talent development.

These engagements, supported by bodies such as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong and the Thai-Hong Kong Trade Association, emphasise joint initiatives across research, start-up ecosystems and industry collaboration, with the goal of fostering bilateral growth in digital, advanced manufacturing, and green technologies.

In addition, institutional links have been strengthened through academic cooperation between Hong Kong innovation hubs and Thai research institutions, featuring startup presentations and potential partnership frameworks that offer Thai entrepreneurs access to global markets and Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem.

The deepening ties reflect a shared vision of elevating trade, investment, and innovation ties, leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a global tech and business hub and Thailand’s rapidly growing digital economy.

By promoting the cross-border flow of talent, technology and capital, both sides are working to create a collaborative environment that supports sustainable growth and positions the Hong Kong-Thailand partnership as a key driver of broader regional development.

As Hong Kong marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse, hospitals across the city reported the birth of at least four babies in the early hours of Tuesday, with families celebrating new beginnings and the promise of the year ahead.

Four infants were delivered at the stroke of midnight and shortly thereafter at major maternity wards, highlighting personal milestones that coincided with a significant cultural moment.

Among the first newborns was a baby boy at Union Hospital in Tai Wai, who weighed 2.94 kilograms and is the fifth child for his local parents, symbolising both familial joy and continuity as the community embraces the energetic attributes associated with the Horse zodiac.

Another girl and boy were also born at Union Hospital, while a third baby boy arrived at Kwong Wah Hospital in Yau Ma Tei and a girl was welcomed at St Teresa’s Hospital in Kowloon City, reflecting the city’s bustling start to the year.

Parents of the new arrivals expressed happiness and gratitude, noting the symbolic significance of their children’s births on the first day of the Lunar New Year, a time traditionally associated with renewal, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings.

The diversity of the newborns, including one with a father holding a talent visa from mainland China, underscores the multicultural fabric of Hong Kong’s population during this festive season.

As the city continues its broader Year of the Horse celebrations with parades, fireworks and cultural events, the arrival of these first babies adds a deeply personal and community-oriented dimension to the unfolding holiday spirit.

A widespread international search is underway for a United States Navy reservist charged with homicide after his wife’s body was discovered frozen inside their Norfolk, Virginia apartment, and investigators believe he has fled to Hong Kong.

Police say officers executing a February fifth search warrant found the remains of thirty-nine-year-old Lina M. Guerra Echavarria in the freezer of the couple’s home after she was reported missing on February second following two weeks without contact with family in Colombia.

An autopsy subsequently ruled her death a homicide, and Norfolk police charged thirty-eight-year-old David Varela with first-degree murder, concealing a dead body and with fleeing the jurisdiction to evade arrest and prosecution.

Law enforcement officials allege Varela, described in charging documents as an active-duty Navy reservist who stopped answering calls from his superior officer, boarded a flight to Hong Kong despite having no known ties there, prompting authorities to seek assistance from federal agencies and Interpol to locate him.

Prosecutors say Varela misled Echavarria’s family by falsely claiming she had been jailed for shoplifting and even sending a staged photograph purporting to show her in an orange jumpsuit, a claim investigators found to have no basis.

Relatives have described Echavarria as a devoted pet owner and a warm, kind person, and police continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.

Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi said his office is coordinating extradition efforts with international partners to return Varela to the United States to face charges.

Federal agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are assisting in the manhunt, and authorities emphasize that domestic violence and intimate-partner homicides remain serious and complex crimes requiring extensive interagency collaboration.

The search remains active as officials work to confirm Varela’s location and secure his apprehension so he may be brought to justice.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has officially opened its “Magical Year After Year” Lunar New Year celebration, marking the arrival of the Year of the Horse with vibrant décor, traditional festivities and a host of enchanting experiences alongside the park’s ongoing 20th anniversary celebrations.

The seasonal programme runs from January thirtieth through March first, bringing together traditional Chinese New Year elements with beloved Disney characters and specially themed offerings across the resort.

The park is adorned with festive imagery, including bright Mickey-shaped lanterns and installations celebrating the horse, a symbol of strength and good fortune in Chinese astrology.

Guests entering the park from the first day of the new year receive a complimentary Disney-themed lai see, the traditional red envelope containing a chocolate gold coin and exclusive dining and shopping privileges while supplies last.

Throughout the celebration period, visitors can meet Disney characters dressed in festive outfits in multiple locations, with Mickey and Friends greeting guests on Main Street, U.S.A. and Bullseye making his Lunar New Year debut at Toy Story Land.

Duffy and Friends also appear in seasonal attire at Duffy & Friends Play House, and Goofy takes on the role of God of Fortune sharing warm blessings with guests.

A wide range of exclusive Year of the Horse-themed merchandise and collectibles are available, from limited souvenirs to curated “Disney Chinese New Year Lucky Magic Bags” filled with exclusive items and collectibles.

The celebration also includes seasonal culinary offerings at several park and hotel dining venues and traditional entertainment such as lion dance performances at the resort’s hotels, enhancing the festive atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages.

To encourage community engagement, Hong Kong Disneyland has introduced the “Happier Together” Advance Purchase Ticket Deal offering Hong Kong residents discounted tickets when purchasing in pairs or groups.

Across the resort, Lunar New Year programming is designed to blend cultural tradition with Disney’s signature enchantment, creating an immersive and joyful celebration for local residents and international visitors alike.

Authorities in the French district of Pas-de-Calais have introduced immediate driver’s license suspension for motorists caught using a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free device.

The measure adds to existing penalties and reflects a broader effort to curb distracted driving following an increase in fatal road accidents.

Under the new regulations, drivers found violating the law will lose their license on the spot, in addition to receiving a fine of 135 euros and three penalty points.

Pas-de-Calais becomes the fourth district to adopt the stricter enforcement, joining Landes, Lot-et-Garonne and Charente-Maritime.

The tougher sanctions follow a reported 2 percent rise in fatal accidents over the past year.

In Pas-de-Calais, 57 people were killed in road accidents in 2025, representing approximately 3.9 fatalities per 100,000 residents.

Authorities state that the majority of injury-related accidents in France are caused by driver distraction, including the use of mobile phones while driving.

According to research by insurance company Assurance Prévention-Calais, around 400 people die each year directly as a result of mobile phone use while driving.

The new rules also impose harsher penalties on professional drivers, who will face double the standard fine if caught using a phone without a hands-free system.

In addition, the period of license suspension for driving under the influence of alcohol has been extended to six months.

Drivers exceeding the speed limit by 50 kilometers per hour or more will face a one-year license suspension.

French law allows each district to set its own traffic enforcement measures, provided that penalties are not lower than those established under national legislation.

Since 2020, enforcement authorities have been authorized to suspend licenses immediately for a range of traffic offenses.

Tens of thousands of spectators filled the streets of Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui district on Tuesday night as the city’s annual Lunar New Year night parade brought the Year of the Horse festivities to life in spectacular fashion.

Residents and international visitors alike staked out prime vantage points hours before the event’s 8 p.m. start, creating a vibrant atmosphere that showcased the city’s cultural vitality and communal spirit. 

The two-hour Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, featured a procession of illuminated floats and nearly sixty performance groups from Hong Kong and overseas.

The event’s theme, “Best Fortune.

World Party,” reflected both traditional Chinese motifs and global artistic influences as dancers, dragon-and-lion troupes, and musicians traversed the parade route from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road before concluding outside the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.

In his opening remarks at the event, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu expressed his delight at celebrating the first day of the Year of the Horse with crowds at Victoria Harbour and praised the city’s capacity to host large-scale cultural celebrations that attract visitors from around the world.

He highlighted Hong Kong’s diverse events calendar and role as a premier destination for global tourism and community festivities. turn0search0
Many attendees arrived well ahead of the parade’s start to secure viewing positions, contributing to a dynamic street party atmosphere as families, friends and travellers shared in the spectacle.

The procession underscored the deep cultural importance of Lunar New Year in Hong Kong, drawing both local pride and international interest in one of Asia’s signature holiday celebrations.

The night parade is part of a broader array of seasonal events in Hong Kong, including traditional lion dances, street fairs, and planned fireworks displays over Victoria Harbour this week, which together reinforce the city’s reputation for hosting some of the region’s most engaging and colourful holiday festivities.