Hong Kong watchdog flags lack of clarity with e-gift card rules, urges fewer restrictions

South China Morning Post - Oct 15, 2024

Consumer Council finds discrepancies in policies for cards sold by 10 retailers, in areas such as purchase methods, expiry dates and refunds.

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Plan for HK$336 million Chinese culture centre in Hong Kong gets initial go-ahead

Plan for HK$336 million Chinese culture centre in Hong Kong gets initial go-ahead

Chinese Culture Experience Centre expected to receive about 80,000 to 90,000 visitors annually on completion in 2028.

China shows determination to shore up business confidence in unusual private economy law

China shows determination to shore up business confidence in unusual private economy law

The draft private-economy protection law contains clauses targeting ‘long-range fishing’ and other problematic practices by local officials.

Can China find a way around US restrictions on hi-tech computer chips?

Can China find a way around US restrictions on hi-tech computer chips?

As Washington moves to close loopholes, how will Chinese leaders secure access to the technology destined to power the future?

Ieodo seminar calls for international cooperation to keep Chinese expansionism in check

Ieodo seminar calls for international cooperation to keep Chinese expansionism in check

JEJU - Sitting about 150 kilometers southwest of Mara Island, Korea’s southernmost island, Ieodo is a submerged reef named after local lore about fishermen from Jeju.

7 takeaways from China’s trade, inflation data in September

7 takeaways from China’s trade, inflation data in September

China’s exports grew in September, but the expansion was lower than expected, while deflation concerns persisted.

Hong Kong fraudsters use deepfake tech to swindle love-struck men out of HK$360 million

Hong Kong fraudsters use deepfake tech to swindle love-struck men out of HK$360 million

Victims included men from Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, India and Singapore, police say.

China is quietly extracting itself from a US helium ‘stranglehold’, experts say

China is quietly extracting itself from a US helium ‘stranglehold’, experts say

Years of research and development are helping China become less reliant on overseas sources of the valuable noble gas.

Vivo launches premium X200 smartphone weeks after Apple, Huawei release new handsets

Vivo launches premium X200 smartphone weeks after Apple, Huawei release new handsets

The X200 series marks the latest effort by Vivo to crack the global smartphone industry’s lucrative high-end segment.

'Taiwan independence' activities doomed to fail: mainland spokesperson

'Taiwan independence' activities doomed to fail: mainland spokesperson

'Taiwan independence' activities doomed to fail: mainland spokesperson

Yoon, Japan's Ishiba to hold 1st summit in Laos on sidelines of ASEAN summit

Yoon, Japan's Ishiba to hold 1st summit in Laos on sidelines of ASEAN summit

President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba are set to hold their first summit on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Laos, Yoon's office said Wednesday.

Yoon arrives in Laos to attend ASEAN meetings

Yoon arrives in Laos to attend ASEAN meetings

President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived in Laos on Wednesday to participate in summits to be hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for discussions on economic and security cooperation with the regional bloc.

Defense chief urges stronger joint exercises with US during meeting with Admiral Samuel Paparo

Defense chief urges stronger joint exercises with US during meeting with Admiral Samuel Paparo

Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Wednesday called for strengthening joint military training and exercises with the United States to maintain an overwhelming defense posture against North Korean provocations, the defense ministry said.

HYBE artists earn multiple MTV EMA nominations

HYBE artists earn multiple MTV EMA nominations

Five K-pop artists from HYBE have received nominations for this year’s MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA), set to take place on Nov. 10.

‘Culinary Class Wars’ fuels global K-content craze

‘Culinary Class Wars’ fuels global K-content craze

Netflix's 'Culinary Class Wars' and 'Gyeongseong Creature' are making significant waves, showcasing that Korean-made content is resonating with international audiences not only in drama but also in the reality show category.

Korea sees significant decline in Karaoke rooms amid changing social trends

Korea sees significant decline in Karaoke rooms amid changing social trends

Karaoke, or noraebang as it’s known here, has become a staple of modern Korean culture. People often gather with friends or colleagues after dinner to sing along to popular songs in small, dimly lit rooms.

Korean indie cinema shines with genre-blending works at Asia’s top film production hub

Korean indie cinema shines with genre-blending works at Asia’s top film production hub

The Asian Project Market (APM), Asia's biggest film investment and co-production market, selected 11 award-winning projects from Asian filmmakers for their upcoming productions.

NK severs roads, railways to South Korea to solidify 'two state system'

NK severs roads, railways to South Korea to solidify 'two state system'

North Korea announced Wednesday that it will completely sever all roads and railways linked to South Korea and strengthen its border, a move analysts view as an official confirmation of the regime's shift toward a 'two-state system,' framing the two Koreas as hostile nations.

Yoon says S. Korea common interest with China on 'rules-based order'

Yoon says S. Korea common interest with China on 'rules-based order'

President Yoon Suk Yeol said Wednesday that South Korea aims to foster 'rules-based' cooperation with China and resolve misunderstandings through 'prompt and honest' dialogue.

Inadequate infrastructure undermines Korea's push to globalize Hangeul

Inadequate infrastructure undermines Korea's push to globalize Hangeul

Despite the Korean government’s efforts to promote Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, globally, progress is being hindered by inadequate infrastructure, including poor working conditions for language teachers and a shortage of schools abroad, a survey and government data showed Wednesday.

Unified Korea will contribute to peace, prosperity in Indo-Pacific: Yoon

Unified Korea will contribute to peace, prosperity in Indo-Pacific: Yoon

SINGAPORE - During a prestigious lecture series in Singapore, President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized that a nuclear-free, unified Korea could contribute to building a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific by strengthening solidarity among ASEAN member countries.

Yoon denies ties to power broker involved in first lady's alleged election interference

Yoon denies ties to power broker involved in first lady's alleged election interference

President Yoon Suk Yeol has denied having close links to Myung Tae-kyun, a key figure involved in first lady Kim Keon Hee's alleged interference with the ruling party's candidate nominations ahead of the April general elections, according to the presidential office, Wednesday.

[INTERVIEW] Youn Yuh-jung embodies diaspora, DNA of hallyu

[INTERVIEW] Youn Yuh-jung embodies diaspora, DNA of hallyu

The special exhibition consisted of Youn’s films, including “Minari,” which explore the place of Korean women and families. “Minari” is a film by Korean American director Lee Isaac Jung which prominently features the Korean language. The concept of diaspora was exemplified by the film, sparking global conversation not only about Korean culture but also Youn’s character. In 2021, The Guardian described Youn as “uninhibited, passionate, and forthright, Youn came to embody a new type of independent Korean woman.”

N. Korea to cut off roads, railways connected to S. Korea

N. Korea to cut off roads, railways connected to S. Korea

North Korea's military said it will cut off all roads and railways connected to South Korea starting Wednesday and build 'strong defense structures' in the areas in response to South Korea-U.S. military maneuvers.

Korea's peak electricity demand hits record in Sept.

Korea's peak electricity demand hits record in Sept.

Korea's peak electricity demand hit a new record in September, as the scorching summer heat extended into the autumn season, data showed Wednesday.

N. Korea amends socialist constitution at parliamentary meeting without disclosing details

N. Korea amends socialist constitution at parliamentary meeting without disclosing details

North Korea has convened a key parliamentary meeting to revise the constitution, state media reported Wednesday, without disclosing details about whether it removed unification-related clauses or stipulated territorial boundaries in line with an order by leader Kim Jong-un.

Calls grow to eradicate public servants' 'forced' meal treatment for superiors

Calls grow to eradicate public servants' 'forced' meal treatment for superiors

While civil service is losing popularity among young people here, calls are growing to eradicate their so-called 'serving day' practice, in which lower-level civil servants are forced to take turns buying a meal for their superiors, according to lawmakers and citizens, Tuesday.

Korea pioneers art-for-tax payments

Korea pioneers art-for-tax payments

For the first time, Korea has accepted artworks considered to be of significant cultural value as a non-monetary payment for inheritance tax.

Hong Kong court slams Airport Authority, Aecom over exploiting expert in third runway project

Hong Kong court slams Airport Authority, Aecom over exploiting expert in third runway project

Rocky Cheung cleared of fraud-related charges after judge finds he inadvertently created false inspection records due to heavy workload.

Chinese retail investors, battered by market winds, dial back on enthusiasm

Chinese retail investors, battered by market winds, dial back on enthusiasm

After a frenzy in China’s stock market – and the subsequent comedown – small investors are left with losses and hopes for a turnaround.

Fire at Hong Kong cargo area put out after burning for 14 hours

Fire at Hong Kong cargo area put out after burning for 14 hours

Huge plumes of smoke from Yau Ma Tei site draw attention of onlookers on both sides of Victoria Harbour; no casualties reported.

Male teacher at Hong Kong Catholic girls’ school arrested after hidden toilet camera found

Male teacher at Hong Kong Catholic girls’ school arrested after hidden toilet camera found

Male teacher admitted committing the crime and was arrested last week, sources said.

Alibaba, JD.com, Pinduoduo launch campaigns for Singles’ Day shopping festival on same day

Alibaba, JD.com, Pinduoduo launch campaigns for Singles’ Day shopping festival on same day

The e-commerce rivals’ respective promotions look to benefit from healthier consumer spending on the back of Beijing’s stimulus measures.

Beijing sanctions Taiwan tech billionaire Robert Tsao and DPP lawmaker Puma Shen

Beijing sanctions Taiwan tech billionaire Robert Tsao and DPP lawmaker Puma Shen

Tsao and Shen accused of supporting ‘violent pro-Taiwan independence’ activities.

Hong Kong government to hold first joint cybersecurity drill among departments, organisations

Hong Kong government to hold first joint cybersecurity drill among departments, organisations

Officials at Legislative Council information technology and broadcasting panel meeting discuss mitigating ‘rising’ risk of cyberattacks in city.

Who makes China’s stimulus decisions, and what’s the procedure?

Who makes China’s stimulus decisions, and what’s the procedure?

What has changed since China rolled out a 4-trillion-yuan stimulus package in 2008, and why a concrete stimulus figure now remains elusive.

PLA Eastern Theater Command completes 'Joint Sword-2024B' drills

PLA Eastern Theater Command completes 'Joint Sword-2024B' drills

PLA Eastern Theater Command completes 'Joint Sword-2024B' drills

Chinese pharmaceutical firms expand to Africa under ‘health silk road’

Chinese pharmaceutical firms expand to Africa under ‘health silk road’

China’s medical sector giants are setting up African factories in search of new markets in belt and road countries.

Hong Kong’s Perfit gym offers 3-year deals to clients of Physical to cover prepaid services

Hong Kong’s Perfit gym offers 3-year deals to clients of Physical to cover prepaid services

Customers who accept deal can use services already paid for under now-defunct Physical chain.

China's yuan loans grow by 16.02 trillion yuan in first 3 quarters

China's yuan loans grow by 16.02 trillion yuan in first 3 quarters

China's yuan-denominated loans rose by 16.02 trillion yuan (about $2.27 trillion) in the first three quarters of the year. The M2, a broad measure of money supply that covers cash in circulation and all deposits, climbed 6.8 percent year on year to 309.48 trillion yuan at the end of September.

Hong Kong names accounting regulator Kelvin Wong as next SFC chairman

Hong Kong names accounting regulator Kelvin Wong as next SFC chairman

Wong, 63, will serve a three-year term leading the market watchdog starting on October 20, replacing current chairman Tim Lui.

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