SCMP Hong Kong·Wednesday, December 31, 2025

SCMP Hong Kong - Wednesday, December 31, 2025

10 stories~15 min

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Stories Covered

6 patients spared higher fees as new hospital charges take effect in Hong Kong

Six patients visiting accident and emergency (A&E) departments at public hospitals in Hong Kong shortly after midnight were spared higher fees despite a new pricing regime taking effect on Thursday, while others said they had no choice but to pay more or opted to see private doctors instead. The revamped pricing regime, which took effect on New Year’s Day, requires patients with milder conditions and stronger financial means to pay higher fees, while offering greater support to those with more..

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Hong Kong leader vows to boost livelihoods, fast-track housing projects in 2026

Hong Kong’s leader has vowed to improve livelihoods, put public housing projects on the fast track and foster growth in innovation and technology (I&T) in the new year. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also described 2025 as a year full of challenges but also one that showcased perseverance. Lee made his pledges in his annual New Year’s speech, which was uploaded to his social media account on Wednesday night. “We will focus on two key objectives. First, to enhance livelihoods and well-being,...

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Hong Kong’s premium taxi roll-out crawls to a third of 3,500 target

Only 1,300 premium taxis – one-third of the government’s target – have hit Hong Kong’s streets since the new fleets were launched in July, with industry players blaming unattractive earnings, a lack of charging facilities and competition from ride-hailing services for the slow roll-out. The Transport Department, which confirmed the figures on Wednesday, did not say whether it would revoke the licences of operators who failed to meet the government’s minimum vehicle requirements by November. The.

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Jimmy Lai verdict and Panama port saga: what shaped Hong Kong’s 2025 political scene

A series of consequential political developments and controversies made 2025 a significant year for Hong Kong. Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing’s company CK Hutchison Holdings was caught in the crossfire of US-China tensions over a deal to sell its Panama Canal ports, which was eventually put on hold under pressure from Beijing. Locally, the city held its second Legislative Council election under Beijing’s “patriots-only” overhaul, with the voter turnout slightly surpassing the previous record...

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Hong Kong students, bankers have a ball for charity with Operation Santa Claus

An annual basketball fundraising tournament brought together Dah Sing Bank employees and Hong Kong students to promote teamwork and positive values both on and off the court. Held at the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong’s Kowloon Centre on December 13, the Dah Sing Charity Score Challenge set out to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus (OSC), an annual charity drive co-organised by the Post and public broadcaster RTHK since 1988. This year’s event saw more than 100 bank staff, along with their...

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Hong Kong rings in 2026 as tens of thousands pack Central, Tsim Sha Tsui

Tens of thousands of Hongkongers and tourists welcomed the new year, as cheers rang across the streets of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, with many praying for world peace and a disaster-free 2026. People could be seen cheering, dancing and even popping a bottle of champagne on Chater Road, where the main event was held. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also joined the celebrations there. “This year’s countdown event, themed ‘New Hope, New Beginning’, conveyed positive energy and blessings. I also...

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Hong Kong police officer jailed for forging statements to close 10 cases

A Hong Kong police officer was sentenced to two years in prison on Wednesday for unlawfully terminating 10 criminal investigations by forging statements of complainants agreeing to withdraw their cases. According to a probation officer’s report, Detective Constable Wong Yiu-chung, 34, had failed to manage stress at work, which drove him to forge statements and dishonestly obtain his supervisors’ approval to close cases between November 2022 and July 2023. The District Court heard that Wong was..

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Hong Kong restaurants, bars gear up for packed 2026 countdown parties

Hong Kong will ring in the new year with packed restaurants and bustling nightlife activities in Central, but the absence of a fireworks display may affect business on the Kowloon side, industry leaders have said. Their comments on Wednesday followed the Tourism Board’s earlier announcement that the main celebration would be held on Chater Road in Central, after the annual Victoria Harbour fireworks show was cancelled following the deadly Tai Po fire. Lan Kwai Fong Association director Anthea...

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Tourist killed after fall from 70-metre cliff while taking photos in Hong Kong

A mainland Chinese hiker has died after falling off a 70-metre (230 feet) cliff on an outlying island in Hong Kong, with the Post learning the victim lost his balance while taking pictures of the scenery. Following the man’s accident on Po Pin Chau on Wednesday, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said that it would deploy more personnel to the island’s viewing platforms and nearby areas to promote safety during the holidays. Police received a report from one of the victim’s..

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Ex-shipping leader joins Hong Kong liaison office amid stalled ports deal

Beijing has appointed a former executive of a state-owned shipping giant, which is eyeing a major stake in Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison’s stalled global ports sale, as a deputy director at its liaison office in the city. Zhang Yong, who previously served as executive vice-president of the Cosco Shipping Group, will replace Qi Bin, who was appointed in November 2024, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Wednesday. The liaison office’s...

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