Stories from Hong Kong · Hong Kong

Authorities are stepping up inspections to enforce the new regulations. The announcement was reported by RTHK Radio 3. A ban on the use of alternative smoking products in public areas took effect today.

CITIC's credit impairment provisions reached nearly $300 million, representing a 33 percent year-on-year increase and a 100 percent increase from the previous quarter. The group allocated an additional $190 million to hedge against potential impacts from Middle East conflicts.

US and Chinese officials held candid and constructive exchanges regarding recent US trade restrictions on China. China expressed a commitment to maintaining the US-China economic and trade communication mechanism to increase consensus and manage differences.

A Yuan Dynasty exhibition in Hong Kong features multiple themed sections. The exhibition features multiple distinct design styles including garden style, industrial style, elegant style, freehand style, and playful style.

A social welfare organization has launched a program to assist unemployed young women in improving job skills across various industries. The regulation has no transition period. The wage increase takes effect tomorrow and includes the cancellation of the Mandatory Provident Fund offsetting arrangement to improve retirement security. Chief Executive John Lee attended a Labor Day event held by the Labour Department. Hong Kong's economy grew 3.5% last year, marking three consecutive years of growth. Monthly employment income for full-time employees in Hong Kong increased by 4.2 percent annually. The central bank kept the financing rate and marginal lending rate unchanged at 2.15 yuan and 2.4 yuan respectively. The central bank announced it is maintaining interest rates while closely monitoring the impact of prolonged high energy prices in the Middle East on inflation and the real economy.

Temple Street merchants are preparing for the five-day Golden Week holiday starting tomorrow. Merchants in the Temple Street and Yau Ma Tei areas of Hong Kong are preparing for the upcoming Golden Week period.

Authorities are using all available means to silence independent media organizations and press freedom groups. These efforts include new methods adopted from the Chinese regime.

HSBC reported a 16 percent year-on-year increase in adjusted non-interest income. The group allocated approximately $190 million as a precaution against Middle East conflict impacts.

A representative from the Fire Incident Investigation Commission admitted that deficiencies exist within the current procurement process. The Chinese Special Administrative Region previously held much higher positions in the ranking. This decline follows the expansion of control by the Beijing-based state and party leadership over the former British colony. Numerous media outlets have been closed and journalists have been arrested during this period. Reporters Without Borders released a new global ranking today showing press freedom has reached its lowest level in 25 years. The report indicates that journalists face critical situations in more than half of the countries surveyed. Hong Kong's ranking has fallen to 140th place. The findings were published on Thursday.

LiveGolf plans to inform staff and players that the Saudi Public Investment Fund will no longer fund the circuit beyond this summer. The league, founded in 2022, spent billions of dollars to attract top players.