The Young Reporter
Super Typhoon Ragasa lands in China from the southeast, bringing new experiences to cities’ new arrivals
- 2025-09-25
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: Fu RongEdited by: WANG Ludan
- 2025-09-25
The Greater Bay area takes the heat of super Typhoon Ragasa, the most intense storm in 2025, as it sweeps across all the regions on Wednesday, prompting a No. 10 hurricane signal in Hong Kong. The ferocious wind and sudden rainfall bring an unprecedented experience for cities’ newcomers. After Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, Ragasa is expected to be the strongest typhoon in Hong Kong’s history, according to the former observatory director Shun Chi-ming on Tuesday. According to the Hong Kong Observatory, Typhoon Ragasa sustained a maximum wind speed of 195 kilometres per hour, which makes it more intense than Super Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, which recorded a maximum wind speed of 185 kilometres per hour. Chen Guowei, a 24-year-old physiotherapist born and raised in Yunnan Dehong, came to Shenzhen Dapeng New Area after graduating last year. “I have never seen a real typhoon before. It’s really crazy,” said Chen, living in the hotel next to the beach provided by his company. Prompted by the weather forecast and messages from families and corporations, he decided to move into the hotel inside Taikang Home Penguyaun, the elderly community he works in. “I don’t really have to work during the typhoon and can live in this expensive hotel, which costs about 500 yuan a night,” Chen said in the video interview. Dubsy Eli, a Nigerian international student at City University of Hong Kong, is also experiencing his first T10 typhoon. “It’s not my first typhoon, but it’s the biggest one. I bought so many fruits to survive,” Dubsy said in a video interview, waking up several times at night to check the weather outside his apartment in Prince Edward. “Back in my hometown, we only experienced heavy winds. But raining with big winds is so exciting for me,” said Dubsy. He is …
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: Daily life and extraordinary measures in Zhuhai before the storm
- 2025-09-24
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: ZHENG XinyiEdited by: AU YEUNG Jim
- 2025-09-24
ZHUHAI, China -- Zhuhai residents rushed to markets to buy daily necessities and food supplies on Monday, following the super typhoon warning issued by the China Meteorological Administration as Typhoon Ragasa approaches. The China Meteorological Administration announced that Ragasa has developed into the strongest typhoon in the world this year. Multiple regions in Guangdong have issued notices for the suspension of classes, work, production, transportation, and business operations. “Before coming here, we heard that a typhoon was approaching. We had experienced typhoons before when we were in Ningbo, and thought it would pass quickly,” said Lu Jingxi, 28, a full-time housewife. “This is the first time I have brought my family to Zhuhai for a trip, and I don’t want to have any regrets,” said Lu. “It wasn’t until we saw the official announcements, posts shared by friends on social media, and received notices from the hotel about lockdown management that we realised how serious this typhoon was,” Lu said. “We still wanted to take my family for a walk along the seaside within a safe area, to enjoy the breeze and spend some time together,” Lu added. “Before, the typhoon didn’t make me feel worried because the sky was clear and sunny,” said Carla Duisebay, 20, an exchange student from Kazakhstan. “Before coming to China, I had never experienced a typhoon.” “The campus supermarket and several nearby stores have run out of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, and even instant noodles and bread. Seeing this emergency situation was really shocking to me,” Duisebay said. “I will try to open the window a little to feel the typhoon—it’s a special experience for me,” Duisebay added. Zhuhai Municipal Bureau of Commerce initiated a city-wide essential goods supply monitoring mechanism, carrying out dynamic tracking of circulation in key supermarkets, wholesale markets, and slaughterhouses …
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 …
Typhoon Ragasa: Preparation of supplies before storm approaches
- 2025-09-23
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: AO Wei Ying Vinci、MA Tsz Chiu OscarEdited by: NG Natasha Goa Sheng
- 2025-09-23
Residents in Hong Kong rushed to markets to purchase food and supplies on Monday and Tuesday, before the arrival of Super Typhoon Ragasa. The Hong Kong Observatory issued the T8 signal at 2:20pm on Tuesday, after a pre-T8 announcement on Monday when the T1 and T3 signals were hoisted. Markets were packed with people wanting to stock up food and supplies in advance before stores close. Products including bread, vegetables and fresh meat ran out of stock in many stores. As of 8:45pm on Tuesday, the Observatory estimated that Ragasa will be closest to Hong Kong on Wednesday morning. Higher signals will be considered for issuance from 11pm on Tuesday to 3am the following day. Our reporters visited markets and supermarkets in Kowloon, Sha Tin and Tai Po to capture how locals prepare for the storm.
What Sparked Indonesia’s Violent Protests and What It Means for Democracy
- 2025-09-19
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: KURNIAWAN Trista VaniaEdited by: LAI Uen Ling
- 2025-09-19
Thousands of protesters swarmed the streets of Jakarta on Aug. 25, outraged by Parliament’s approval of a new monthly housing allowance that is ten times the minimum monthly wage in Indonesia. Within a week, what began as questions over economic imbalances turned into violent protests in 20 major cities against police brutality, demands for the protection of vulnerable communities, and worries about the future of Indonesia’s democracy. From Aug. 25 to 31, the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation reported more than 3,000 people were arrested and 10 were killed. Despite a government response, people are still unsatisfied and fighting for democracy. The Underlying Cause Tito Ambyo, an Indonesian journalist and journalism lecturer at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, said the political and economic frustrations have been growing since people expected reformation after the violent protests in 1998. In May 1998, a riot broke out due to economic inequality, corruption, and the authoritarian rule of President Suharto. It escalated to the targeting and attacks of Chinese Indonesians and the destruction of public property. “After the 1998 riots and our president stepped down, we won. But the next leaders were disappointment after disappointment,” he said. In 2012, former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s cabinet faced corruption allegations, with his ministers, including the Chairman of the House of Representatives, indicted by the Corruption Eradication Commission. Ex-President Joko Widodo’s government passed a job creation law aimed at easing work regulations and encouraging investment in 2020. However, it sparked public protests because the bill was seen as weakening workers’ rights and opportunities. He described the Indonesian elites in the government as “careless” and “callous” with their actions. Protesters took to the streets on Aug. 25 after the House of Representatives announced the members of parliament would receive a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (HK$23,676). …
Policy Address 2025: Government provides sufficient focus on the needs of subdivided communities amid continued poverty concerns
- 2025-09-19
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: Chun Hei LUK、Wing Chi HOEdited by: CHAN Wing Yiu
- 2025-09-19
As the Chief Executive prepares to unveil the 2025 Policy Address, poverty reduction is in the spotlight, especially regarding Hong Kong’s subdivided flats. Concern for Grassroots' Livelihood Alliance emphasizes that the government has given little attention to the specific needs and wants of subdivided flat users. Our reporter Gigi Ho explores how proposed initiatives aim to support vulnerable communities. This address could be crucial in the fight against poverty, emphasizing the urgent need for effective policies to uplift marginalized citizens and improve their quality of life. (Sept 17, 2025) Reported By: Gigi Ho Wing-chi, Anson Luk Chun-hei Edited By: Yoyo Chan Wing-yiu
Key Highlights from Policy Address 2025
- 2025-09-17
- Politics
- The Young Reporter
- By: LI Sin Tung、ZHENG XinyiEdited by: CHEN Yik Nam
- 2025-09-17
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivered his fourth Policy Address on Wednesday morning, pledging to deepen reform and prioritise public livelihood. The following are the key takeaways. New action plan for the low-altitude economy More legislation to promote the low-altitude economy, mostly about drone activities. Including the improvement of civil aviation legislation and regulatory framework, promotion of infrastructure facilities, organisation of more talent training, enhancement of the application system and development of low-altitude economy insurance products Potential activities in airspace under 1,000 metres include drone rescues, surveys and deliveries Satellite positioning, three-dimensional spatial data systems and a smart traffic-management system for low-altitude passenger aircraft will be established Patriotic Education Collaboration with Shenzhen to promote a red education route and patriotic education venues in the mainland A series of activities called "Love Our Home, Treasure Our Country" by the Education Bureau will be organised and the Constitution and Basic Law Student Ambassadors Training Scheme will be strengthened Arts and Culture A premium arts trading hub will be built An arts ecosystem in the Airport City with studios, galleries, and trading facilities will be established Large-scale art storage and arts plaza buildings will be constructed to attract galleries and family offices West Kowloon Quay will be opened and a cultural district academy will be set up The Hong Kong Fashion Fest will be launched, and the government will further support the local cultural and creative industries Education Cap on self-financing non-local students' enrolment will be increased from 40% of available spots to 50% The over-enrolment ceiling of self-financing places of funded research postgraduate programs will be increased from 100% to 120% Task Force on Study in Hong Kong to be established to step up promotion of higher education in Hong Kong Eight supported universities will be given HK$40 million to improve their …
Policy Address 2025: Hong Kong lowers house-purchasing money threshold to facilitate cross-border buyers
- 2025-09-17
- The Young Reporter
- By: Ye Enyi、Lan XinbeiEdited by: MAO Anqi
- 2025-09-17
Non-locals hoping to obtain Hong Kong residence through investment will be able to purchase residential property for a minimum of HK$30 million rather than the current HK$50 million, said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in Wednesday’s policy address. But the amount of the property purchase allowed to be counted towards the visa scheme eligibility of HK$30 million in investments will remain HK$10 million. This is under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which was launched on Mar. 1 last year, to help investors settle down in the city without the need to establish or join a business. As of February this year, the scheme has received 918 applications and expects to inject over HK$270 billion into the local market, according to the government’s press release in March. But among the approved applications, no applicant has made an investment in residential real estate. They all choose to invest in non-residential approved assets to meet the eligibility requirements. Wu Cheuk-him, district councillor of Tai Po, said the government’s move is positive. “I am confident that lowering the investment threshold for property purchases will draw more people to buy homes in Hong Kong, and as a result, to stimulate the local property market,” he added. Mainland residents face a stringent cap on foreign exchange conversion of US$50,000 (HK$389,000) a year, which means they cannot buy property that costs more than this with direct remittance. Viola, 26, from the mainland and working in a Hong Kong local school, said she purchased a residential property in Hong Kong at the end of 2023. She does not want to reveal her full name as she had to get creative, which may not be legal, with how she moved her money from a mainland bank into Hong Kong for the transaction. “I am constrained by the rule …
Policy Address 2025: Pundits criticised industry mismatch despite the city’s Top Talent Scheme has contributed HK$34 billion to local economy
- 2025-09-17
- Society
- The Young Reporter
- By: FENG Zhenpeng、Li YinhengEdited by: LIU Yutong
- 2025-09-17
Chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu defended the controversial top talent scheme in his latest policy address but observers urged the government to address the talent mismatch by bringing in more high-tech elites. The Top Talent Pass Scheme generated around HK$34 billion a year for the local economy, accounting for approximately 1.2% of economic growth, said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, in the policy address on Wednesday. This is the first time the Hong Kong government has quantified the scheme’s economic contribution to the city in light of mounting criticism against the scheme being abused. Former chief executive Leung Chun-ying criticised last month that most applicants did not settle in Hong Kong, but returned to the mainland with their families after obtaining Hong Kong identity cards. When delivering the 2025 Policy Address, Lee said Hong Kong attracted over 230, 000 talents to work and live in the city under a number of new talent talent admission policies, including the TTPS. About 14,000 of TTPS applicants, or 54%, had their visas renewed. “Of them, 95% receive a monthly income higher than the local median income of about $20,000, and 50% earn a monthly income nearly double that amount. This reflects a strong demand for TTPS talents and the market's willingness to offer higher salaries to attract them,” Lee said most of the admitted talents to Hong Kong are relatively young, with 70% being under 40 years old, which helps to address the challenge of the aging population. However, observers did not see a picture-perfect reality. Lawmaker Wendy Hong Wen said Hong Kong lacks high-end tech talents but the TTPS is mainly bringing in talents from the finance sector. “To address the mismatch between the talent supply and industry demand, the government should adopt a demand-driven approach by enabling companies to directly search for …