Hong Kong Book Fair: early birds slam chaotic queues to meet girl band Collar

‘This was my first time at the book fair, and it has been deeply disappointing,’ one fan says on opening day for city’s annual book fair

2 -MIN READ 2 -MIN

A big draw on Wednesday was an autograph signing by girl group Collar. Photo: Facebook/Collar
Continue reading...

Hong Kong to fast-track border crossing upgrades as Legco gears to approve bill

Hong Kong authorities have pledged to fast-track renovation, equipment installation and testing at an upgraded border checkpoint as the legislature prepares to approve the Huanggang Port bill this week, pending an opening date.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung said the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill, which provides the legal basis for implementing a co-location arrangement at the border crossing, must be approved by July 31 to allow the city to exercise jurisdiction once the Hong Kong port area is commissioned that day.

“Once

Secretary for Security Chris Tang believes “the public is glad to see a proactive government and Legco that gets things done for the people”. Photo: Sam Tsang

US$402,000 bonus splits Samsung device and chip workers as anger, feud mount

The feud between Samsung Electronics’ device-making and chipmaking divisions is deepening, as employees in the smartphone and home appliance businesses are expressing anger over a nearly 100-fold compensation gap between them and employees in the chipmaking division.

Samsung Electronics Company Union (SECU), which is mostly made up of employees in the appliance-making Device Experience (DX) division, will hold a rally under a “same company, same rights” slogan at the company’s plant in Suwon, Gyeonggi province on Thursday


Over half of tested reading glasses fail to list key details to prevent eye strain

More than half of the reading glasses tested by Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog failed to label pupillary distance, a key measurement for aligning lenses to ensure clear vision and reduce the risk of eye strain.

The Consumer Council tested 17 models of ready-to-wear reading glasses between January and May, with the claimed magnifying power for all models at +2.50 dioptres – commonly known as 250 degrees.

Prices ranged from HK$8 to HK$490 (US$1 to

(From left) Professor Lan Hon-ming, a member of the council’s research and testing committee, and CEO Alaina Shum. Photo: Edmond So

Watchdog urges pet owners to take paws before signing up for insurance plans

Hongkongers buying insurance for their pets have been urged to carefully examine third-party liability terms and pay special attention to coverage related to disputes and animals with a history of aggression.

The Consumer Council issued the warning less than a week after more than 900 restaurants became legally allowed to welcome dogs on the premises as part of a government scheme.

In a report published on Wednesday, the council noted that about 19 of the 24 pet insurance plans in June included third-party liability coverage when the insured animal


Chinese in the driver’s seat? India-China reset hits a bump on Delhi’s streets

Indian government pulls the plug on Chinese battery apps after e-rickshaws are stopped in their tracks, sparking national debate

4 -MIN READ 4 -MIN

An e-rickshaw incident in New Delhi has raised concerns over the security of connected vehicles. Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images

It was supposed to be just another hectic day on New Delhi’s roads. Instead, early this month, several e-rickshaws on the Indian capital’s crowded streets reportedly came to a halt mid-

Continue reading...

Chinese motorcycle tycoon donates US$735,000 to flood victims after clearing US$15 million debt

Chinese motorcycle tycoon Zhang Xue has donated five million yuan (US$735,000) to flood-stricken Guangxi right after clearing a 100-million-yuan (US$15 million) corporate debt, moving many online.

Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, in southern China, was hit by heavy rains that caused dam breaches and flooding, which had killed 39 people.

On July 9, the founder of motorcycle manufacturer ZXMOTO posted on his social media account that the company had donated

Zhang, above, chokes up recalling past struggles during his emotional donation announcement. Photo: Handout

Iran threatens to close more vital seaways as US renews blockade

A woman in Tehran holds a poster depicting US President Donald Trump in crosshairs. Photo: AP

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to close “all other export corridors that ⁠benefit the US and its allies”, Iranian media reported, after Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz and the US reimposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

“Regional energy exports are either shared by all, or denied to all,” the IRGC said in a statement


Pacific security axis grows as New Zealand eyes Australia-Fiji defence pact

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shakes hands with Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (right) before the Ocean of Peace Alliance signing on July 6. Photo: AFP

New Zealand ’s interest in joining a newly signed defence pact between Australia and Fiji may mark the start of a broader hard security alliance covering the South Pacific, but analysts warn smaller states’ concerns are likely to go unaddressed.

The Ocean of Peace Alliance, signed by Australia and Fiji on July 6, binds Canberra and Suva to come to each other’s defence if attacked.

Days later, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the
Continue reading...

China’s rare earth weakness, new rocket to rival SpaceX: 7 science highlights

From China unveiling microwave weapons to top neurobiologist leaving US, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting

2 -MIN READ 2 -MIN

A mine in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, a part of China’s vast rare earth mining industry. But new study says the country’s “international patent layout remains insufficient”. Photo: AP

We have put together stories from our coverage on science from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing .
Continue reading...