Author: OMN AI

Hong Kong is set to restore direct air connectivity with Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the first quarter of 2027, marking a key step in strengthening links between the city and Central Asia. The announcement was made by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu during a high-level visit to the region, where he is leading a government and business delegation aimed at expanding international partnerships. The planned resumption of flights is expected to improve travel convenience, support trade, and encourage greater investment flows between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. Business leaders have welcomed the move, describing direct air links as a crucial…

Beijing has appointed a senior provincial official as a new deputy director of its top representative body in Hong Kong, in a move seen as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen administrative coordination between mainland China and the city. Yuan Gujie, a 58-year-old official from Guangdong province, has been named deputy director of the Hong Kong Liaison Office. The appointment was announced on Monday by the state-run Xinhua News Agency. Yuan replaces diplomat Liu Guangyuan, who is expected to retire at the age of 61. The leadership change comes as Beijing continues to adjust senior positions within key institutions overseeing…

A newborn baby in Hong Kong has been left without a legal identity after his parents refused to take a DNA test required for issuing a birth certificate, sparking public concern and calls for government intervention. Lawmakers in the city are now urging authorities to step in, arguing that the child’s welfare must take priority over personal and religious objections. The case has raised wider questions about how far parental rights can extend when they conflict with legal requirements for a child’s official registration. The issue came to public attention through social media posts on a page called “Save Lily,”…

A Hong Kong foster care shortage is leaving hundreds of vulnerable children without temporary homes, according to a local charity that is now calling for more families from diverse backgrounds to step forward. The charity Mother’s Choice said on Saturday that 222 children are currently on the official waiting list for foster placement in Hong Kong. The group warned that demand for foster carers continues to rise, while the number of available homes remains too low to meet urgent needs. Mother’s Choice works with young mothers aged between 12 and 25, as well as their children. The organisation also runs…

The Hong Kong Guangdong travel scheme has been officially extended until 2031, giving private vehicle owners in Hong Kong more years of easier access to Guangdong province in mainland China. The decision was announced by mainland authorities as the original three-year pilot period approaches its end. The scheme, known as Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles, allows eligible Hong Kong drivers to enter Guangdong without needing a mainland license plate or a dual-plate permit. Instead, approved private cars can cross directly through the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, which serves as the only designated entry point under the program. Under the rules…

A Hong Kong woman has lost more than HK$1 million after falling victim to a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme disguised as an artificial intelligence-powered trading application. Police say the case is part of a wider surge in online scams targeting investors through social media and messaging platforms. The victim was reportedly first exposed to the scam through a fake investment advertisement on Facebook, which promised high returns through advanced trading technology. After clicking the link, she was redirected to a WhatsApp group where scammers posed as financial experts offering cryptocurrency investment advice. Hong Kong Police Force Hong Kong Police Force…

China’s currency is steadily gaining influence in global trade as Beijing continues efforts to expand the international use of the yuan, according to a new analysis from Goldman Sachs. The report highlights a significant rise in the use of the Chinese yuan for cross-border settlements over the past several years, reflecting a broader push by China to reduce reliance on the US dollar in global transactions and strengthen its financial influence. Goldman Sachs Goldman Sachs said trade settlements in yuan have nearly tripled since 2019, showing a clear upward trend in international usage despite ongoing global dominance of the US…

A Hong Kong secondary school has launched an internal review after its principal was seen in a viral video swearing at security guards during a student trip to Singapore. The incident has drawn public attention and triggered an official request for a written report from education authorities. The school involved is San Wui Commercial Society Secondary School in Tuen Mun. The principal, Lee Cheuk-hing, appears in the video in a heated exchange with security staff. The footage spread quickly on social media and raised concerns about staff behavior during overseas school activities. Edmund Wong Chun-sek, a school manager and former…

China is preparing to send a new crew to its space station in a major step for its human space program. The Shenzhou XXIII mission is set to launch late on Sunday night from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The mission will carry three astronauts to the Tiangong space station, which orbits Earth at about 400 kilometers above the planet. The launch will use a Long March 2F carrier rocket. The rocket is scheduled to lift off at 11:08 pm local time. Engineers are completing final checks and fuel preparations at the launch site. Officials say all…

Education authorities in Hong Kong have ordered a secondary school to submit a written report after a video surfaced online showing the school principal allegedly swearing at security staff during an overseas trip. The incident reportedly took place during a school visit to Singapore and has triggered an official investigation. Education Bureau said it became aware of the viral video and immediately contacted both the school and its sponsoring body. Officials confirmed that they are closely monitoring the situation and will provide guidance as the case develops. The bureau said it has instructed the school to carry out a full…