Politics
Inside Myanmar’s tightened passport system
- 2026-03-08
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: LI Yuzhou Asher、Pann Hnin Nay Chi PannEdited by: ZHENG Xinyi
- 2026-03-08
In early 2023, 28-year-old Scarlett, not her real name, queued up to enter Thailand at the Thai-Myanmar border, clutching her passport as she waited for her turn at the checkpoint. This was not for studying abroad, but an escape for survival. She feared that staying longer would permanently strip her of the possibility of leaving legally. “If my passport were scanned at the airport, I am afraid that it would be flagged,” said Scarlett. “That’s why I chose to leave from the Thai-Myanmar border,” she said, referring to its less stringent procedures. When she stepped up to the counter, the officer flipped through her red passport and looked at her briefly. “Okay, next,” said the immigration officer. He waved her through without running the passport through a scanner. Scarlett exited the gate and dared not slow down until she reached Thailand. Since the 2021 military coup, Myanmar’s passport system has increasingly functioned as a tool of exit control rather than merely a document for international travel. According to a 2025 report by the Danish Immigration Service, Myanmar authorities have circulated files of blacklisted people to airports and border checkpoints, allowing immigration officers to identify individuals and bar them from leaving the country with a passport scan. Those barred from leaving include participants in the Civil Disobedience Movement — a nationwide non-violent protest campaign that started in February 2021, in which civil servants went on strike in protest of military rule following the coup. More than 417,000 civil servants had joined the movement, according to an official brief from the National Unity Government of Myanmar. The movement was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. Scarlett was one of them. Before the 2021 movement, she worked as a doctor at a public hospital. After the military seized power, she joined …
Budget 2026: Hong Kong plans to attract more family offices for the ultra rich
- 2026-02-25
- Politics
- The Young Reporter
- By: Ng Wing Sum Jodie、PENG Yixin NaomiEdited by: ZHENG Xinyi
- 2026-02-25
Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po proposed a tax regime augmentation, aiming to attract more family offices, which manage money for ultra wealthy individuals. “Tax regime coverage will expand the scope of funds to specific ‘funds-of-one’, as well as classifying digital assets, precious metals, and specific commodities as investments with tax concession eligibility,” said Chan. Chan added the changes will take effect from the year of assessment 2025/26. A family office is a private wealth management company established by ultra-high-net-worth individuals, responsible for the day-to-day management of family assets. According to Chan Ho-lim, Under Secretary for the Treasury Bureau, single family offices generally refer to institutions established by a single family for wealth, family affairs, and long-term equity investment management. Multi-family offices, on the other hand, are licensed companies that “serve more than one high-net-worth family” by providing outsourced services and are “typically established and run as commercial ventures”. There are 3,384 single family offices in Hong Kong, according to research from Deloitte. According to Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, this is a 25% increase from 2023. Half of the current offices are serving families with more than US$51 million of accumulated wealth. Since 2023, the Hong Kong government has issued a policy statement supporting the development of a global ecosystem for family offices and asset owners, promoting the growth of the industry. The bureau also said a single office contributes approximately HK$12.6 billion annually to the local economy through operating expenses alone, directly creating over 10,000 full-time professional positions, covering high-value-added fields such as financial advisors, legal and accounting. Yu Ann, 36, Co-Founder of Jadewell Family, a multi-family office, said, compared with banks and securities firms that have a single perspective, family offices can provide a comprehensive view and risk analysis across banks and even platforms, …
Budget 2026: Hong Kong continues harbourfront construction, drawing in visitors
- 2026-02-25
- Politics
- The Young Reporter
- By: Baguio Anne、RONG Miu Tung ShellyEdited by: Lan Xinbei
- 2026-02-25
Hong Kong will continue to develop the harbourfront to attract tourists, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po announced in the budget speech on Wednesday, while also giving the Tourism Board HK$1.6 billion. With the opening of a waterfront site in Hung Hom by next month, the Kowloon promenade will be extended to 15 kilometers, Chan said. The government will also consider a new pedestrian harbourfront walkway in Kennedy Town. According to data from the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the number of visitors to Hong Kong in January reached 7.23 million, an increase of 9.6%, with overseas visitors increasing by 16.4%. The West Kowloon Cultural District on the harbour attracts many tourists. Eddie Massonique, a 25-year-old tourist from France, said he came to M+ recommended by friends, but what attracted him the most to West Kowloon was the seaside scenery. Anastashiia Armoldova, 32, a tourist from Ukraine, said she found the West Kowloon area by accident. “I think the Hong Kong government should strengthen publicity, such as advertising at the airport, to let more tourists and citizens know about this place,” she added. “My friends and I came here specifically to watch the sunset. The environment is very comfortable, and the scenery is good,” a local 14-year-old student, Ebbie Wong said. “But the transportation is not very convenient, and there are too few dining options; we have to walk far to buy food.” The Artpark in the district hosts many restaurants, but most are more expensive than local neighborhood cafes. Two 21-year-old students from Guangzhou, Wesly Peng and Gu Chuqi, said that this area is crowded. “We're looking for a restaurant, but the restaurants here are clearly very busy, with long queues,” said Peng. Gu said the government could add some minibus routes between Austin Station and the West Kowloon Cultural District …
Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in national security trial
- 2026-02-10
- Politics
- The Young Reporter
- By: Dake LiuEdited by: LAI Uen Ling
- 2026-02-10
Hong Kong High Court on Monday sentenced Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai to 20 years in prison, the harshest penalty imposed so far under national security law. The 78-year-old media tycoon was convicted in December 2025 on two counts of conspiring to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security and one count of conspiring to publish seditious materials. The court described Lai as the “mastermind and driving force” behind a years-long campaign that included urging foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. The court ruled that the engagement of a foreign entity in endangering national security is regarded as more serious and “deserving of a more serious penalty". Lai has already spent more than five years in custody on separate fraud charges related to his media company. The sentence means he will likely remain imprisoned well into his 90s. Eight other defendants, including former Apple Daily staff and members of the “Stand with Hong Kong” activist group, received prison sentences ranging from 6 years and 3 months to 10 years. Three companies linked to the newspaper, who are already insolvent, were each fined more than HK$3 million. The verdict sparked strong criticism from the international community. The UK’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the term is “tantamount to a life sentence” in a statement. The Committee to Protect Journalists also called the decision the “final nail in the coffin for freedom of the press in Hong Kong”. Hong Kong and Beijing officials said the ruling upholds the rule of law and safeguards national security. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said in a statement, “Lai’s actions sacrificed the well-being of the people, betrayed the country, harmed Hong Kong and damaged the interests of both the nation and the city. Lai deserved the punishment.” This case marks the first full sentencing under the national security law for “collusion with foreign forces.” It comes nearly five years since Apple Daily was forced to cease operations in 2021 following a series of police raids and asset freezes. The legal teams representing Jimmy Lai and the other defendants have not yet indicated whether they will appeal the verdict.
Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai found guilty in national security trial
- 2025-12-17
- Politics
- The Young Reporter
- By: Dake LiuEdited by: LAI Uen Ling
- 2025-12-17
Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, 78, the founder of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, was found guilty on three charges of violating national security. Lai was convicted of two counts of "conspiracy to collude with foreign or external forces to endanger national security" under the National Security Law and one count of "conspiracy to publish seditious publications." He faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Judge Esther Toh Lye-ping said in the judgment that Lai's evidence was “contradictory and inconsistent and he was evasive and unreliable in many instances" and dismissed some of his testimony. The court also said in concluding remarks that during the 2019 anti-extradition bill movement, Lai had “constant invitation to the US to help bring down the Government of the PRC with the excuse of helping the people of HK.” The trial, which spanned 156 days, is the first in Hong Kong to involve the charge of "conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.” Lai was arrested by Hong Kong's national security police in August 2020 and has remained in custody since December that year, a detention of nearly five years. Hong Kong’s officials and Beijing's official representative body the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong have both issued statements welcoming the court's guilty verdict. Press freedom organisations around the world criticised the ruling. Reporters Without Borders wrote in a statement that it is a “shame trail” for Lai and “emblematic of a wider and devastating collapse of press freedom” in Hong Kong. The British Consulate General in Hong Kong and the European Union Office in Hong Kong also issued statements to show their concern regarding the verdict. The British Consulate General condemned “the politically motivated prosecution" on Monday evening and called for “immediate release” of Lai. Lai became a British citizen after obtaining a UK …
Legislative Council Election 2025: generational handover as members stepping aside for younger generation
- 2025-12-08
- Politics
- By: Dake LiuEdited by: LAI Uen Ling
- 2025-12-08
On a November morning in Hong Kong, the sun scorching the tiled roof of the Wong Tai Sin Temple, hundreds of people pressed together to head to the main altar in a rite for the upcoming Legislative Council election. Devotees walked slowly past the great bronze incense burner, heads bowed, respectfully planting three sticks of incense each. Alan Chan, 68, edged forward in the slow-moving river of bodies, his three incense sticks already lit and trembling between his fingers. For decades this had been his quiet anchor: a bow, a murmured name — Tommy Cheung Yu-Yan. But the 76-year-old lawmaker had just announced his retirement from Legco after 25 years. His prayer caught in his throat. He stared at the altar’s flickering candles, the sea of unfamiliar faces on campaign flyers taped to nearby pillars. "These young candidates I don’t recognise a single one…How am I supposed to vote? How am I supposed to pray?" he said. Cheung is one of 12 current Lego members aged 70 or above who declared they will not run in this year's election, including former Legco president Andrew Leung Kwan-yin, 74, and convener of the Executive Council Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, 75, accounting for a little over a third of all 35 lawmakers who announced their election withdrawal. Most veteran lawmakers said that they hope to make way for the younger generation. This unprecedented wave of withdrawals is despite no existing legislation specifying a retirement age limit for members of Legco. Although the reasons for the generational shift remain unclear, some commentators have speculated that Beijing seeks a younger cohort of legislators who will appeal to Hong Kong’s youth and align more closely with national development priorities. Martin Cheung Tat-ming, Chief Researcher at a leading local think tank, said the most direct reason why …
Legislative Council Election 2025: Ethnic minorities voters satisfied with first ever designated polling station arrangement
- 2025-12-07
- Politics
- The Young Reporter
- By: AU YEUNG JimEdited by: KURNIAWAN Trista Vania
- 2025-12-07
Two designated polling stations have been set up for Hong Kong’s ethnic minority population to cast their ballots for the Legislative Council election on Sunday. The designated polling stations are located at Tang Shiu Kin Victoria Government Secondary School and Kowloon Park Sports Centre, to allow ethnic minority voters who participate in religious events at the Wan Chai Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple and Kowloon Masjid respectively to cast their ballots, according to the authorities. These designated polling stations are part of the government’s pilot arrangements to cater to voters with special needs. “Sometimes it was difficult for us to wait in a queue, but now it is perfect,” said Aida Zubaida, 33, a housewife from India who has lived in Hong Kong for more than 10 years. “There are separate counters, so we can go easily and orderly.” According to the 2021 Population Census, about 8.4% of Hong Kong’s population belong to an ethnic minority group. Indonesians top the list, followed by Filipinos, White people and Indians. Zubaida said she hopes the next Legislative Council can address the social inequality encountered by the ethnic minority population today, especially in terms of financial support. “There shouldn’t be partiality between Chinese and ethnic minorities, in jobs, employment and other areas," Zubaida said. “We are suffering a lot here, so that’s why we are expecting more separate places for us.” “If we have more job opportunities, we can easily have financial support. But in Hong Kong, the Chinese language is very important here. Even though we are trying to learn the language, it has been very difficult for us.” According to a report published by the Equal Opportunities Commission, Hong Kong’s equality watchdog, it is common for ethnic minorities to face discrimination in accessing goods and services. In terms of employment, ethnic minority …
Legislative Council Election 2025: Hongkongers cast ballots for second “patriot-only” legislature
- 2025-12-07
- Politics
- The Young Reporter
- By: AU YEUNG JimEdited by: KURNIAWAN Trista Vania、ZHANG Yiping
- 2025-12-07
Polling is underway on Sunday to elect the next term of the Legislative Council, the second “patriot-only” election since Beijing’s electoral overhaul in 2021. As of 5:30 pm, turnout for geographical constituencies stands at 23.76%, with over 981,000 voters casting their ballots. In the previous LegCo election in 2021, turnout at the same time was 18.5%. The polling period this year was extended for one hour, running from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu cast his vote at Raimondi College polling station at 8:30 am. “The Legislative Council has a lot of powers, for example, in approving spending or making new laws,” Lee said during a media session at the polling station. “We will work together to fill loopholes in our existing system, reinforce our city’s safety, and give residents a greater sense of security,” Lee said. “All voters must therefore come out to vote today, because your ballot represents reform, safeguarding victims of the [Tai Po] fire, and our unity in marching forward,” he added. Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court suffered a level-five fire on Nov. 26, which claimed more than 150 lives. Despite the casualties, authorities kept the election as scheduled, citing the need to avoid a vacuum period in the legislature. Residents who showed up to cast a ballot said they wanted to support Hong Kong’s development, and hoped the next LegCo could focus more on social affairs. “As a Hongkonger, it is our responsibility to support Hong Kong’s development,” said Jack Zhong, 36, an IT engineer who cast a ballot in the Kowloon West geographical constituency. Zhong said he hopes the next Legislative Council would focus on economic development to improve residents’ quality of life. “As an IT engineer, I would like to see more supportive measures in the information technology …
Tai Po fire death toll rises to 156, residents to retrieve belongings on Dec 3–4
- 2025-12-02
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: Wing Chi HOEdited by: AO Wei Ying Vinci
- 2025-12-02
The death toll in the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire has risen to 156, the Police Regional Commander of New Territories North, Lam Man-han, said at a briefing. Lam said search operations have been completed in five residential blocks, including Wang Kin, Wang Shing and Wang Tai Houses. Searches at Wang Cheung House are about 40% complete, while Wang Sun House has reached 90% completion. Search work was suspended earlier today, to prevent families from witnessing the removal of bodies during roadside mourning ceremonies. She said 13 bodies were recovered in Wang Cheung House, including five newly located bodies, bringing the total death count to 156. Among those, 127 bodies have been identified, 29 of them pending identification and 30 people still reported missing. Lam added residents of Wang Chi House, the only block that was not directly affected by the fire, will be allowed a one-time return to their homes on Dec. 3 and 4 to collect essential items. Between 9am to 9pm, only up to two people per household will be permitted to enter their homes for a maximum of 90 minutes. Authority personnels will accompany residents during entry, and police officers will be stationed on each floor. To facilitate smooth operation, staff from the Social Welfare Department will provide on-site support. Additional transport services, including shuttle buses and volunteer taxi vehicles will be available for Wang Chi House residents.
At least 13 dead in Tai Po level-five fire
- 2025-11-26
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: Wing Chi HO、CHAN Wing YiuEdited by: SIU Tsz Hang、LAI Uen Ling
- 2025-11-26
A No.5 alarm fire erupted at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, leaving at least 13 dead, including one firefighter, officials said. As of 6pm, there are at least five injuries, including three that were critically injured. One person was in serious condition, and one was in stable condition. Nine people felt unwell and were sent to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital for treatment. Police have set up a hotline 1878999, for the public to inquire about information on the casualties of the fire.