‘Huge influx’: expat retirees projected to drive Hong Kong’s premium home demand
SCMP

‘Huge influx’: expat retirees projected to drive Hong Kong’s premium home demand

Hong Kong is tipped to see more luxury home sales with expatriates increasingly choosing the city as their retirement base, drawn to its low-tax environment as well as business opportunities, according to analysts. “A huge influx of expats who used to live in Hong Kong are moving back with a long-term view to retirement,” said Victoria Allan, founder and CEO of Habitat Property. “Many expats who p...

Chinese, Southeast Asian ride-hailing firms eye Hong Kong amid licensing roll-out
SCMP

Chinese, Southeast Asian ride-hailing firms eye Hong Kong amid licensing roll-out

More ride-hailing platform operators from mainland China and Southeast Asia have approached the Hong Kong government about entering the city’s market ahead of the launch of licensed operations, the transport minister has revealed. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan also said on Sunday that more than 7,500 people applied for the new combined taxi and ride-hailing vehicle written test,...

Meet John Liu, the student who used corn stalks to recover lithium from water

Meet John Liu, the student who used corn stalks to recover lithium from water

Times of India

John Liu has pioneered a remarkable project that utilizes agricultural byproducts like corn stalks and wheat straw to innovate lithium recovery methods. His technique leverages plant-based scaffolds to effectively concentrate lithium from dilute brines. Through his groundbreaking work, Liu garnered accolades at both state and international science fairs, showcasing a sustainable pathway for reclai...

A family bought 11 farms and turned them into a big five wildlife haven

A family bought 11 farms and turned them into a big five wildlife haven

Times of India

A South African couple began restoring the Great Karoo in 1997 by bringing together 11 former livestock farms into a 67,000-acre reserve. After removing fences, clearing invasive plants and allowing the land to recover, they began reintroducing wildlife. Cheetahs returned after 130 years, followed by rhinos, elephants and lions, while leopards later returned naturally.

Hong Kong to launch AI training for workers in November with big tech firms

Hong Kong to launch AI training for workers in November with big tech firms

SCMP

Hong Kong will partner with major technology firms to launch an AI training programme for the labour force in November as part of a government drive to equip workers with new skills, the city’s finance chief has said. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also said on Sunday the separate HK$50 million (US$6.4 million) “AI for All” push announced in February would feature more than 200 activities and...

Hong Kong to launch AI training for workers in November with top tech firms

Hong Kong to launch AI training for workers in November with top tech firms

SCMP

Hong Kong will partner with major technology firms to launch an AI training programme for the labour force in November as part of a government drive to equip workers with new skills, the city’s finance chief has said. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also said on Sunday the separate HK$50 million (US$6.4 million) “AI for All” push announced in February would feature more than 200 activities and...

Major tech firms to help upskill Hong Kong workers under ‘AI for All’: Paul Chan

Major tech firms to help upskill Hong Kong workers under ‘AI for All’: Paul Chan

SCMP

Hong Kong’s employees retraining board will partner with major tech firms to launch an artificial intelligence (AI) training programme for the working population in November, the city’s finance chief has said. In his Sunday blog, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the HK$50 million (US$6.4 million) “AI for All” inclusive programme, announced in the February budget, would feature more than 20...

Why Trump’s economic pain could spark more Iranian attacks on Gulf nations

Why Trump’s economic pain could spark more Iranian attacks on Gulf nations

SCMP

President Donald Trump is betting new sanctions, a naval blockade and ramped-up economic pressure against Iran’s trading partners can accomplish what thousands of bombs and missiles could not: force Tehran to accept a deal to end the war on US terms. But like other US efforts to force Iran into capitulation, there is one main problem: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has claimed con...

London’s low emission zone is working – so why are cities around the world so cautious about clean air?

London’s low emission zone is working – so why are cities around the world so cautious about clean air?

The Guardian

Similar initiatives have been launched from Barcelona to Bogotá, but they have misinformation, political pressure and vested interests stacked against themTen years ago, Alastair Harper was an advocate for young people’s health sitting in a stuffy meeting room in London planning an air pollution campaign. “My phone started buzzing,” he said. “I took the call, and then told the room I needed to lea...

First Bus bans under-16s in Stoke-on-Trent travelling alone after 6pm after disorder

First Bus bans under-16s in Stoke-on-Trent travelling alone after 6pm after disorder

The Guardian

Company says decision comes after spate of antisocial behaviour since free travel scheme was introducedFor some, it is a quotidian nuisance that inevitably occurs when you are in the vicinity of teenagers. For others, it is an expression of modern-day lawlessness among young people.Whatever view you take, antisocial behaviour on public transport has become a hot debate – and with the introduction ...

UK orders reviews of franchising sector after Vodafone allegations

UK orders reviews of franchising sector after Vodafone allegations

The Guardian

Two studies will be used to shape government policy amid claims about a former franchisee who took his own life Ministers have commissioned a pair of in-depth reports into how franchising businesses are policed in the UK, as the government considers introducing new laws after high-profile allegations about conduct in the sector.The action follows a Guardian investigation last December, which reve...

Trump says Canada wants 'benefits of being a state' as trade war deepens

Trump says Canada wants 'benefits of being a state' as trade war deepens

France 24

US President Donald Trump slammed Canada on Sunday, saying the country wanted "the benefits of being a State, without being one", in response to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing retaliatory tariffs following what he called a "bad deal". Negotiations between the neighboring countries broke down Friday in Washingtona, and signalled a deepening rift between the longtime allies.