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Visitor spending down 44pc from 2018, lawmaker says trend is global

Spending by visitors to Hong Kong last year fell 44 percent from 2018 levels, while residents’ real spending overseas rose 10 percent over the same period, according to data published by the Legislative Council.

Fake certificate scandal closes Happy Valley pool, lifeguard arrested

A private residential swimming pool in Happy Valley was forced to shut down after a lifeguard was arrested for allegedly using a forged qualification certificate, prompting a government investigation into the property’s safety compliance.

Union says many frontline workers still lack heat protection

Many frontline workers in Hong Kong are still not receiving adequate protection against extreme heat, with employers failing to provide extra rest breaks or heat-prevention equipment, according to a labor union survey.

Suspected dog poisoning incident at Tseung Kwan O pet park sparks police investigation

A suspected dog poisoning case in Tseung Kwan O has drawn public outrage and triggered a police investigation after a pet dog passed away shortly after visiting a local park.

Missing dementia patient found dead on Ma On Shan slope after joint search

A joint search operation has ended in tragedy after a 58-year-old missing man was found dead on a hillside in Ma On Shan on Friday.

Business Today

Hang Lung names Starbucks China ex-CEO Leo Tsoi as new chief

Hang Lung Group (0010) and its property unit Hang Lung Properties (0101) have appointed former Starbucks China chief executive Leo Tsoi Tak-lun as their new CEO and executive director, effective from October.

Hong Kong foreign currency reserves rise US$1.9 billion in July

Hong Kong’s foreign currency reserves rose by US$1.9 billion last month, data from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority showed.

China tax authority clarifies offshore insurance income subject to domestic tax, report says

China's State Taxation Administration said offshore insurance income was subject to domestic tax, local news outlet the Paper reported, citing an official on Friday.

China strips former bank regulator head of parliamentary seat over 'serious violations'

Li Yunze, the former head of China's National Financial Regulatory Administration has been stripped of his seat in China's parliament for "serious violations of discipline and law", according to an official announcement.

Japan's April yen-buying intervention sets fresh daily record

Japanese authorities conducted a record single-day yen-buying intervention in foreign exchange markets in April, selling US$40 billion worth of dollars, as they resumed massive yen-buying operations to stem the yen's slide.

World/China

Thai teen kills at least 8 in rampage at home and school before shooting himself

A Thai teenager killed at least five people and himself at a school outside Bangkok on Friday after fatally shooting his grandparents, police said, in the Southeast Asian nation's worst mass killing since 2022.

Korean Football Association provided sexual favors to foreign referees, investigation reveals

A media investigation has revealed that the Korea Football Association provided sexual favors to foreign referees on multiple occasions ahead of key national football matches over a decade ago.

UK observatory nervously watches growing space junk threat

In the sweeping shadow of a satellite dish, staff at the Chilbolton Observatory in southern England track a growing number of objects in Earth's orbit, providing data that underpins Britain's space monitoring efforts.

Malaysia Aviation Group rolls out stricter drug testing after pilot detained

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) said on Friday it has ordered mandatory drug testing and will conduct stricter screening for all pilots across its airlines, following the arrest of a Malaysia Airlines pilot for alleged trafficking in Indonesia last month.

US govt to expand vetting of social media for visa applicants

The US government reportedly plans to expand vetting of the social media accounts of visa applicants, including foreign journalists, as part of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.

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