Author: OMN AI

Up to 80 Hong Kong-linked vessels and approximately 1,600 seafarers remain affected by ongoing disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz as instability in the Middle East continues to impact global shipping operations. The Hong Kong Ships Strait Hormuz situation was highlighted by the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, which warned that maritime operators are continuing to face challenges after more than five months of intermittent regional tensions. Speaking on Tuesday, Richard Hext, chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association, said many vessels connected to association members remain either within or near the strategically important waterway. The figures were released as the…

Hong Kong’s new combined licensing examination for taxi and ride-hailing drivers has attracted strong interest, with more than 1,000 people registering on the first day of applications. The Hong Kong Ride Hailing Test is part of the city’s effort to prepare for a new regulatory framework expected to take effect next year. The initiative aims to create a streamlined pathway for individuals seeking to work in either the traditional taxi sector or the growing ride-hailing industry. According to the Transport Department, the response from the public was encouraging. By 6pm on Monday, the first day of registration, more than 1,000…

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is looking for a new president and vice-chancellor who can bring fresh ideas, strong technology knowledge, and a new approach to leadership, according to an insider familiar with the process. The university believes its next leader should have a different mindset to help guide future changes and strengthen HKU’s position as a global education and research institution. A senior HKU leader said the university needs someone who can bring new energy and support major developments. The source suggested that a person who has already spent many years in the same leadership role may find…

A 60-year-old woman who went missing for 11 days has been found alive on a hillside near a cemetery in Hong Kong, according to local authorities. Police said Ngan Lai-ching was discovered after an extended search operation that continued despite difficult weather conditions, including a typhoon and several days of heavy rain. Authorities said Ngan left her home at Kwong Ming Court in Tseung Kwan O on the morning of July 24. She did not take her mobile phone or an Octopus card, making it harder for investigators to track her movements. The search involved emergency teams looking across nearby…

Emergency services in Hong Kong are continuing a large-scale search operation for a 59-year-old triathlete who went missing during the swimming portion of a competition in Tai Po on Sunday morning. Authorities said the man entered the water during the 2026 Summer Triathlon Challenge at the Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre but failed to return to shore, prompting an immediate rescue response. Police reported receiving an emergency call at approximately 7:57 a.m. regarding a male participant who had disappeared during the swimming segment of the race. According to information gathered from the event, the athlete entered the water at…

Hong Kong is expected to raise its full-year economic growth forecast after recording stronger-than-expected expansion during the first half of 2026, according to Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po. In a weekly blog post published on Sunday, Chan said the city’s economy performed better than earlier projections, prompting authorities to prepare an upward revision to the official gross domestic product (GDP) forecast later this month. The announcement follows data showing that Hong Kong’s economy expanded by 5.1 percent year on year during the first six months of 2026. The government currently forecasts annual GDP growth of between 2.5 percent and 3.5…

Hong Kong authorities say changing smoking habits at construction sites will take time after the first weeks of enforcement under a new workplace smoking ban. Officials have carried out extensive inspections and identified multiple violations since the rules came into effect. The Construction Site Smoking Ban has led to more than 1,200 inspections across construction locations in the city. During the first two weeks of enforcement, authorities issued 36 fixed penalty notices to workers who were found violating the regulations. Labour Commissioner Sam Hui Chark-shum said the results show that smoking remains common at many construction sites despite the introduction…

Hong Kong authorities have announced a series of large-scale exercises at the newly redeveloped Huanggang Port border crossing as preparations continue for its future opening. The tests will involve more than 10,000 participants and form part of a broader effort to ensure the facility operates safely and efficiently. The Huanggang Port Stress Tests will include government officials, civil servants, and representatives from multiple departments in Hong Kong and mainland China. Authorities plan to conduct more than 100 exercises in the coming months to assess the readiness of the new border crossing. Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung revealed…

Six people were injured on Thursday afternoon after a truck and a public minibus collided on Castle Peak Road near Yuen Long in Hong Kong, according to police. Emergency services responded to the scene after receiving reports of the traffic accident at approximately 4:27 p.m. The crash occurred on the Yuen Long-bound section of Castle Peak Road-Tam Mi, a busy route that connects several areas in the New Territories. Police said the collision involved a 24-tonne truck and a green-topped public minibus. The circumstances leading to the crash were not immediately clear, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine…

Hong Kong residents and visitors will have plenty of entertainment options this weekend as a variety of indoor events take place across the city from July 31 to August 2. After a week of rainy weather following recent storms, many people are expected to look for indoor activities that offer fun, relaxation, and cultural experiences. The city’s event calendar features music performances, family-friendly attractions, exhibitions, and social gatherings. Organizers have prepared activities for different age groups and interests, giving both locals and tourists several ways to spend their weekend. One of the most anticipated events is Raveton – The Latin…