Photo Essay
In Pictures: Ten Years Into Vision 2030, Digital Payments Reach Saudi Arabia's Traditional Markets
- 2026-03-09
- Photo Essay
- By: Haoming ZhouEdited by: Haoming Zhou
- 2026-03-09
Saudi Arabia marks a decade since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched Vision 2030 in 2016. One key reform area is the digital transformation of financial infrastructure. Saudi Arabia aims to achieve 80% cashless transactions by 2030, up from just 36% in 2019. According to the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), electronic payments already accounted for 79% of total retail payments in 2024—nearly reaching the target six years early. Even in Souk Al-Zal, Riyadh's oldest traditional market, digital payments are gaining ground.
Doha’s Falcon Souq keeps a century-old tradition alive
- 2026-01-29
- Photo Essay
- The Young Reporter
- By: LAI Uen Ling、Dake LiuEdited by: Robin Ewing
- 2026-01-29
DOHA, Qatar Jan 14 – Falconry is one of the world’s oldest hunting traditions with a documented history spanning over 4,000 years. Introduced from Central Asia around the 7th century, Bedouin tribes of the Arabian Peninsula relied on falcons’ speed, sharp eyesight and innate hunting instincts to survive in the harsh desert, long before the rise of modern urbanisation. Today, this practical survival skill has evolved into a revered cultural tradition embedded in local folklore, poetry and royal customs. The Falcon market at Doha’s Souq Waqif is more than just a marketplace for local enthusiasts. It is a living landmark where visitors can experience firsthand the legacy of falconry in Qatari culture. Aziz, 65, is the owner of a falcon shop in the market. Originally from Pakistan, he came to Qatar in 1993. In 2012, Aziz opened his first falcon shop. He has since expanded to three shops in Qatar and employs 22 workers including three of his sons. According to Aziz, a falcon can fetch prices anywhere from 2,000 up to 1.75 million Qatari riyals (around HK$4,280 to HK$3,600,000). Among his collection, the most unique falcon is Rambo, a Gyrfalcon bred in Germany. With mostly white feathers and brown spots, this bird belongs to one of the largest birds of prey in the falcon family. In ancient times, northern emperors prized them for their outstanding hunting skills.
Hong Kong team ends journey in Milwaukee Squash Open 2025
- 2025-12-04
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: CHEN Xiyun、CHEN ZiyuEdited by: WANG Ludan、YANG Haicen
- 2025-12-04
Hong Kong’s Simmi Chan Sin-yuk, 23, lost to Belgium’s Tinne Gilis at the single-elimination round of the Milwaukee Squash Open 2025 on Dec. 3, ending the team’s journey at the tournament. As the tournament entered its third day, Chan was the only one among the six Hong Kong players to advance to the second round of the five-round competition. Chan, who claimed the silver medal at the inaugural Under-23 World Squash Championships this April, found her match when faced against the world’s No. 8 squash player, Tinne Gilis, falling to a defeat with 9–11, 7–11, and 12–14 in the three rounds of the match, respectively, at the Hong Kong Squash Centre. “I have given out everything I could to win the game, so I carry no regret regarding the defeat,” Chan said. The tournament is divided into men’s and women’s main draws, each only featuring the top 30 players worldwide, and the local host was awarded two unrestricted qualifying spots in each draw, granting entry to local players with no restrictions on their world ranking. “It will be a tough game for Chan since Gilis is a formidable opponent,” said Wong Tsz-hin, 30, Chan’s teammate, adding that he hopes Chan can enjoy the game before the match begins. Gilis took the leading position in both the first and second rounds, at one point holding a five‑point advantage in an 11‑point game. Despite reaching the match point at 10–9 in the third game, Chan missed several shots from the same spot on the right forecourt, allowing Gilis to reverse the momentum and win. “She was able to complete the defence when the situation was unfavourable for her,” Chan said, describing Gilis as a rival who combines physical strength with steady play in the post-game media conference. Chan’s rival Gilis just won her …
Italian driver Antonio Fuoco Dominates FIA GT World Cup Qualification Race in Macau, heads to Grand Prix
- 2025-11-16
- The Young Reporter
- By: Chun Hei LUKEdited by: Robin Ewing
- 2025-11-16
Italian driver Antonio Fuoco, 29, won the qualifying race for the FIA GT World Cup on Saturday in Macau, securing him pole position and setting him up as a favorite to win at the Macau Grand Prix on Sunday. Driving for Ferrari in a Ferrari 296 GT3, Fuoco clocked in at 02:16:111 in Q1 and followed it up with a 02:15.535 in Q2 for the 12-lap event on the Guia Circuit, a narrow 1.62 km street circuit also used for the Macau Grand Prix. “I had a strong start, and with new tires, I was able to push harder compared to the others at the beginning. Although the guys were gaining on me later, I managed to maintain a two-second gap,” Fuoco said at the press conference following the race. The qualifying race decided the starting grid for the fifteen-lap main event The Macau Grand Prix, known for its tight corners and elevation changes, making it a demanding venue for drivers and earning it a reputation for testing talent. “Antonio’s performance today showcases his skill and determination, securing the pole position and highlighting our team’s strength. We’re excited for the main race and ready to honor the Ferrari legacy,” said Alessandro Bianchi, pit crew of the AF Corse Ferrari team. Despite an aggressive start, Raffaele Marciello, 30, attempted to seize second place on the rush to Lisboa Corner but ultimately had to relinquish his advance, slipping into fourth as he maneuvered through the tight right-handed corner with the BMW M4 GT3 (Evo). “Finishing fifth in Macau after our team's win at Nürburgring is a solid result. While we aimed higher today, it’s clear our hard work is paying off. We’ll take this momentum into the next race,” a pit crew member of ROWE Racing said. Alessio Picariello, 32, driving the …
Hong Kong celebrates 76th Chinese National Day
- 2025-10-01
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: AO Wei Ying Vinci、MA Tsz Chiu OscarEdited by: NG Natasha Goa Sheng
- 2025-10-01
Flags and banners are displayed around Hong Kong while celebrating China's 76th National Day on October 1, 2025. Hong Kong’s regional flag and Chinese national flag were raised at the ceremony held in Wan Chai’s Golden Bauhinia Square at 8am today to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Ceremony attendees including Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and other government officials. The public watched the ceremony at a distance from Wan Chai Ferry Pier, as the government announced no public viewing area for the ceremony. Lee Ka-chun, 16, who is a local student, said he secured a spot with his friends at the Wan Chai Ferry Pier observation deck at around 7am. He said it is a pity that he can only view the ceremony through his telephoto lens on a camera today, citing his past flag-raising viewing at the Tiananmen Square allowed him to be nearer to the ceremony, after passing through security checks. During the national anthem, two helicopters hanging a Chinese national flag flew over Victoria Harbour, while ships under the Police and the Fire Services Department sailed along the harbour. It is the first time Kai Tak Sports Park hosted a flag-raising ceremony, outside the city’s largest stadium at 11am. Free ice cream and beverages were distributed near the venue by the park’s authorities. Leah Zhang, 27, travelled from Jiangmen to Hong Kong for two days during the National Day Golden Week. She said she came across a social media post on RedNote about the flag-raising ceremony at Kai Tak. “I thought more people would be here to see the flag-raising ceremony. There are only limited promotions from the Kai Tak Sports Park, which could be the reason,” said Zhang. A firework display is held at 8pm on the same …
Typhoon Ragasa: Windthrown trees blocked several roads in Wong Tai Sin
- 2025-09-27
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: AO Wei Ying Vinci、LAU Ka YanEdited by: AU YEUNG Jim
- 2025-09-27
Super typhoon Ragasa hit Hong Kong on Wednesday, bringing gale and heavy rainfall to the city. The Observatory issued the highest-level T10 signal to alert the public about the extreme weather conditions. Staff members from the Fire Services Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department examined the road blockage by fallen trees in Wong Tai Sin during Wednesday evening after the T8 signal was cancelled. Workers continued clearing remaining debris in Diamond Hill on Thursday morning. The government's 1823 call centre, the Fire Services Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department had received 1,224 reports of fallen trees as of 8pm on Wednesday. The Hospital Authority said 101 people were injured during the typhoon period. Individuals concerned received the necessary medical treatment at the Accident and Emergency departments of designated public hospitals.
Typhoon Ragasa: Tuen Mun light rail service disrupted, fallen trees block roads
- 2025-09-26
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: SIU Tsz Hang、CHENG Tsz Sen SeanEdited by: AO Wei Ying Vinci
- 2025-09-26
Super typhoon Ragasa slammed Hong Kong with strong winds and torrential rain with the Observatory issuing the highest-level 10 signal at 2:40 am on Wednesday. The typhoon has left 101 people injured during the typhoon period, according to the Hospital Authority as of 8pm. They received medical treatments at the Accident and Emergency departments of public hospitals. According to the government, the 1823 Call Centre, the Fire Services Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department received 1,224 reports of fallen trees as of 8pm. The Drainage Services Department received 22 reports of flooding, while the Civil Engineering and Development Department received four reports of landslides as of 8pm. Light Rail stops, including Prime View, Tai Hing (South), and Shek Pai are disrupted due to extensive damage.
Typhoon Ragasa: Items scattered around Sha Tin after the storm
- 2025-09-26
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: MA Tsz Chiu Oscar、SIU Tsz HangEdited by: AO Wei Ying Vinci
- 2025-09-26
Super Typhoon Ragasa battered Hong Kong heavily on Wednesday, with the T10 signal issued at 2:40am hoisted for over 10 hours. The Hospital Authority said 101 people were injured during the storm. The Government’s 1823 Call Centre, the Fire Services Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department received 1,224 reports of fallen trees in total. As of 8pm on Wednesday, the Drainage Services Department received 22 reports of flooding, while the Civil Engineering and Development Department received four reports of landslides. In Sha Tin district, the storm surge affected from Ragasa flooded both sides of Shing Mun River under T10 signal. Debris, branches and leaves were washed along the river banks. Strong winds also brought down trees, blocking roads, bikeways and pedestrian paths. Some MTR outdoor sections were disrupted by fallen trees and damaged overhead cables as well. East Rail Line service remained out of service until the evening at around 6:45pm.
Typhoon Ragasa: Safety measures ahead of strong winds and potential flooding
- 2025-09-25
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: MA Tsz Chiu OscarEdited by: AO Wei Ying Vinci
- 2025-09-25
Different safety measures were conducted in Hong Kong in advance on Monday and Tuesday to minimise destruction by the ongoing Super Typhoon Ragasa. The Hong Kong government held a press conference about the typhoon-related measures on Monday and warned the public of the flood risks in several black spots. These include Kwong Fuk Road in Tai Po, Shing Mun River and other low-lying areas. Sandbags and water barriers were set up around the hazard-prone spots to prevent floods. The government announced some flood-prone pedestrian tunnels would be closed during the storm. Many residents in Hong Kong also worked on their own safety measures. Windows were taped to add strength and lessen damages caused by strong wind. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the T10 hurricane signal at 2:40am, which lasted until 1:20pm on Wednesday, making this year the first time having two T10 signals within a year since 1964.
Super Typhoon Ragasa: Travellers stuck in airport after flight suspension
- 2025-09-24
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: AO Wei Ying Vinci、AU YEUNG JimEdited by: LI Sin Tung
- 2025-09-24
Hundreds of travellers remained stranded at Hong Kong International Airport from 6pm on Tuesday due to flight cancellations, after the Observatory issued the T8 warning signal for the approaching Super Typhoon Ragasa. All flights scheduled to depart after 6pm on Tuesday have been cancelled, as well as most flights scheduled to fly out after 5pm. Air France flight AF8404 to Amsterdam, originally scheduled to depart from Hong Kong at 10:45pm, was moved forward to board passengers at 4pm. Travellers are stuck at the airport as they await updates from their airlines, while take-offs and landings remain suspended until resumption from Thursday 6am, according to the Airport Authority. Jonas Humann, a traveller from Germany whose flight was originally scheduled for Tuesday evening, said he was confused about where to get information regarding the typhoon. Humann said he will be sleeping on a bench for the night, at the airport, as he could not find a staff member who could offer him help. “Qatar Airways isn’t paying for a hotel, and there are no meal vouchers or anything either, the hotels nearby are very pricey,” said Humann. Upon enquiries, the Qatar Airways customer service hotline said they are not responsible for handling any arrangements online, while there were no staff present at the Qatar help desk in Hong Kong International Airport on Tuesday at 7pm. A couple from Papua New Guinea, Vanessa and Ronald, said they are satisfied with the clear instructions given by the Hong Kong government. “We do appreciate the timely announcements that they have been given, and it's good to see that they're not trying to just create a mass panic,” said Vanessa. The customer service counter of the airport distributed small pillows to stranded travellers, and restaurants will operate normally throughout the 36 hours of flight suspension. Flight …