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The article discusses various events and auctions related to banknotes. Spink & Son is holding a series of charity auctions featuring new King Charles III banknotes, with proceeds going to charity. The International Bank Note Society (IBNS) London Branch hosted an Educational Forum with presentations on various topics related to banknotes. Stack's Bowers and Ponterio Hong Kong had a successful world paper money sale, breaking their previous record. Additionally, upcoming auctions by Warwick & Warwick and Noonans are mentioned. The article also mentions the upcoming 12th edition of the Banknote Yearbook. [Extracted from the article]

A new study conducted by researchers at Hong Kong Polytechnic University explores the relationship between mental health and well-being in the context of tourism. The study conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature on topics such as mental health, well-being, memorable experiences, emotions, community well-being, wellness tourism, and sustainable development. The research identifies several new research directions for different subjects, including tourists, employees, and the community. The study aims to provide a holistic understanding of the research landscape surrounding mental health and well-being in tourism. [Extracted from the article]

According to a survey by Bank of America Corp., concerns about a systemic credit event are increasing among fund managers due to issues in global property markets. About one in six respondents consider this to be the biggest risk facing markets, up from one in eleven in December. The disquiet is particularly focused on US commercial real estate and Chinese property markets. The Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cuts to alleviate pressure on real estate have been hindered by higher-than-expected inflation numbers. Smaller banks are at risk of default rates in their commercial real estate loan books, while larger banks are considered more stable. A 10% default rate on commercial real estate loans could result in $80 billion in additional bank losses, leaving over 300 smaller regional banks at risk of solvency runs. The Federal Reserve is working with lenders to address expected losses, and regulators are ensuring that loan-loss reserves and liquidity levels are sufficient. The survey found that nearly 40% of fund managers see US commercial real estate as the most likely source of a credit event, while 22% see Chinese real estate as the biggest threat. The turmoil has also affected German lenders with exposure to US commercial real estate. [Extracted from the article]

Hong Kong has released plans to regulate ride-hailing services like Uber, which has been operating unregulated in the city for the past decade. The proposal includes licensing platforms such as Uber and implementing stricter penalties for rule-breaking. However, the plan lacks clarity, and there are no plans to increase the number of hire-car permits available, which could leave many Uber drivers operating illegally. The government aims to improve taxi services by introducing premium fleets. The outcome of this dispute may have implications for how Uber is regulated in other locations. [Extracted from the article]

Hong Kong has announced plans to regulate ride-hailing services, including Uber, in an effort to improve taxi services in the city. The government intends to license platforms like Uber and impose stricter penalties for rule violations. However, the number of hire-car permits available for ride-hailing services will not be increased, potentially limiting Uber's operations. The move to regulate ride-hailing services comes in response to complaints about rude service, overcharging, and dangerous driving in the taxi industry. The Transport Department will conduct a study on commuter needs to shape the new regulatory regime. [Extracted from the article]

McDonald's Hong Kong saw major outages with its self-ordering kiosks and mobile app on March 15. Customers had to pay at the counter instead due to the outage, according to a report by South China Morning Post. "Due to a... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article from Bon Appétit offers a guide to four traditional Cantonese dishes and provides recipes for readers to try at home. The author emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients and highlights the connection between the people who prepare and consume the food. The featured dishes include steamed fish, Cantonese roast pork, soy sauce chicken, and typhoon shelter stir-fry. The article also suggests places to visit in Hong Kong and includes a recipe for typhoon shelter corn ribs. The document includes step-by-step recipes for Cantonese roast pork, microwave-steamed fish, and soy-braised chicken legs, along with accompanying photographs. These recipes incorporate a variety of ingredients and cooking techniques, making them suitable for library patrons interested in exploring Chinese cuisine. [Extracted from the article]

Academic philosophy in Hong Kong began in the early twentieth century. However, the discipline was in a neglected state before the Second World War and gradually expanded only afterwards. The development of philosophy in Hong Kong is shown to be heavily influenced by colonial politics and changing government policies on higher education and deeply intertwined with the city's unique cultural and historical context. This article also highlights the legacy of humanism left by some of the founding Chinese scholars of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and their impact on Hong Kong society and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent report from the City University of Hong Kong explores the illegal trade of protected wildlife in Hong Kong, People's Republic of China. The research reveals that a small number of key suppliers control the wildlife supply, and illegal transactions are facilitated through trust and collaboration among criminals. Factors such as kinship, friendship ties, ethnicity, and reputation play a role in shaping these criminal networks. The study suggests further research into online trading, the involvement of women in the illegal wildlife trade, and the impact of COVID-19 on these criminal networks. [Extracted from the article]

Hong Kong's proposed rules for "market soundings" have been criticized by one of the world's largest hedge-fund associations. The draft guidelines aim to increase oversight on non-public information sharing practices between brokers and potential investors ahead of deals. However, the association argues that these rules would put Hong Kong at a disadvantage compared to other major jurisdictions and could lead to international market participants conducting business outside of Hong Kong. The Securities and Futures Commission is currently considering the feedback received during the consultation period. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers review on "I.M. Pei: Life is Architecture" explores the first full survey of the Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei's iconic work, including the East Building of Washington, at M+ Museum in Hong Kong, from June 29, 2024 -January 31, 2025.

A Chinese man from Hong Kong named Sai Keung Tin has been indicted by a U.S. grand jury for smuggling protected eastern box turtles from the United States to China for the global pet trade black market. Tin is charged with four counts of exporting merchandise contrary to law. The indictment alleges that Tin falsely labeled packages containing the turtles as containing almonds and chocolate cookies. If convicted, Tin faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each smuggling count. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is an international agreement that aims to protect threatened fish, wildlife, and plants, and both the U.S. and China participate in CITES. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides information about a planned research study in Hong Kong that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a group intervention for caregivers of older adults. The study will use a randomized controlled trial design with one intervention group and one control group. The intervention group will receive a group intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy, lifestyle intervention, and effective communication skills. The control group will receive education sessions on healthcare information. The study will assess outcomes such as caregiver burden, depressive symptoms, quality of life, self-efficacy, and resilience. The data will be analyzed using statistical tests, and personal data will be securely stored for research purposes only. The study is not yet recruiting participants. [Extracted from the article]

Economist Stephen Roach has returned to Hong Kong to address the backlash he received after making negative comments about the city's future. Roach maintains his grim outlook on Hong Kong and China's economy, emphasizing that the city's economic prospects are closely tied to the mainland. He also warns of a growing intolerance of debate in China and describes being "muzzled" at a prominent event in Beijing. Roach's return to Hong Kong has sparked further discussions and debates on the city's future as a global finance hub. [Extracted from the article]

The document provides brief updates on various countries. In France, President Emmanuel Macron has ordered a study on children's screen use and its negative effects, with recommendations to ban screen exposure for children under 3 and smartphones under 11. In Costa Rica, the country is facing a severe drought, leading to nationwide power cuts and disruptions to the transportation system. In Hong Kong, the Court of Appeal has granted the government's request to ban the protest anthem "Glory to Hong Kong," citing national security concerns. In Fiji, former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has been sentenced to one year in prison for covering up financial mismanagement at a university. [Extracted from the article]

Travelex, a foreign exchange brand, has launched its online click-and-collect service in Hong Kong. The service allows customers to reserve over 30 different currencies, including Japanese Yen, Thai Bhat, US Dollar and British Pounds, via the Travelex Hong Kong website,... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent report from the University of Macau explores the impact of urbanization on youth mental health in Hong Kong. The research suggests that urbanization can have both positive and negative effects on mental health, particularly in adolescents. Factors such as perceived stress, social isolation, exposure to environmental pollutants, academic pressure, and limited access to mental health services contribute to the negative association between urbanization and mental health issues. The study calls for further research to understand this complex relationship and develop effective interventions to promote youth mental health in the face of urbanization. [Extracted from the article]

Hong Kong's government is considering new tax rules to attract more private credit and infrastructure investments. The proposed rules would offer tax exemptions on interest income to special purpose vehicles for alternative investments, including private credit, hybrid securities, real estate, and infrastructure. Hong Kong is facing competition from Dubai and Singapore in attracting asset management businesses, and the city hopes that these tax rule changes will help increase its jurisdiction and legal infrastructure. The global alternative funds sector is expected to grow significantly, and Hong Kong wants to position itself as an attractive location for these funds. However, the city currently faces economic challenges and geopolitical tensions. Singapore already has a broader scope for fund exemptions, giving it an advantage in attracting private credit funds. Hong Kong's tax exemption regime for funds is self-assessed, which can create confusion for managers. The government is seeking feedback from the industry on the proposed tax rule changes. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that counseling supporting HIV self-testing (HIVST) is beneficial in promoting behavior changes and facilitating linkage to care among men who have sex with men (MSM). The study analyzed 55 studies published between 2014 and 2021 and found that active counseling support resulted in higher rates of linkage to care compared to passive counseling support. The research also indicated that providing counseling support for all users, incorporating essential components in counseling, and utilizing mobile health technology could increase linkage to care among MSM HIVST users. The quality of the studies varied, and further research is needed in this area. [Extracted from the article]

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, has proposed new legislation called the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which aims to protect the Chinese state. The legislation, known as Article 23, seeks to create new offenses such as insurrection and external interference, and update colonial-era laws concerning state security. Lee justifies the need for this law by citing complex geopolitics and rising threats of foreign spying. The proposed law will work in tandem with the existing national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020. The consultation process for the new law will last until the end of February, and the government aims to complete the legislative process by 2024. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in the journal Science used genomic analysis to trace the origins of seized pangolin scales in Hong Kong. The study found that pangolins for Asian markets were sourced from West and Central Africa. The research team overcame challenges by creating a reference database of white-bellied pangolin genomic data and analyzing seized scales from Asia. The study highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating illegal wildlife trade and provides valuable information for conservation efforts. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University have developed a new method for detecting dementia using spoken language biomarkers. The study utilized a two-step feature selection approach, which involved pre-screening features using filter methods and then ranking the selected features using a novel method called dual dropout ranking (DDR). The results showed that this approach significantly reduced feature dimensionality while achieving comparable or superior performance compared to the full feature set. The research was supported by the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]