Author: Satoshi Nakamoto

HONG KONG, October 23—Hong Kong police have arrested a 23-year-old local man following an investigation into the defacement of promotional materials related to the upcoming Legislative Council election, marking another incident of alleged political vandalism as the December 7 vote approaches. The arrest took place late Saturday evening, mere hours after officers discovered the damage during a routine patrol.

The incident unfolded Saturday morning around 9:30 a.m. when officers conducting checks on a footbridge on Tong Mei Road noticed two legislative election promotional posters had been visibly damaged. With barely two weeks remaining before the territorial vote, authorities promptly launched an investigation into the suspected criminal damage.

Rapid Identification Through Surveillance

Police utilized closed-circuit television (CCTV), including footage gathered from the city’s sophisticated “Project Sharp Eyes” surveillance network, to swiftly identify a suspect. Based on the video evidence, officers were able to pinpoint the individual allegedly responsible for defacing the posters.

The suspect, identified only by his surname Mao, was apprehended later that night at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Palm Street. He was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal damage and is currently being held for questioning.

The case has been assigned to the Mong Kok District Crime Investigation Team Nine, which is handling the ongoing inquiry. Police confirmed the damaged items were official posters advertising the Legislative Council general election.

This arrest highlights ongoing scrutiny over election integrity and the heated political climate surrounding Hong Kong’s legislative polls. Vandalism targeting promotional materials, a common form of political expression or dissent, is treated seriously by authorities, particularly in the run-up to a major election. Securing political property and maintaining order during the election cycle remain key priorities for law enforcement.

Election Context and Legal Implications

The Legislative Council election is the territory’s paramount political contest, and candidates rely heavily on public-facing materials like posters to engage with voters. The defacement of these materials not only carries political implications but is also a violation of local law concerning property damage. Individuals convicted of criminal damage in Hong Kong can face significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment, depending on the severity and nature of the offense.

While the motive behind the alleged vandalism remains under investigation, the swift police response underscores the sensitive nature of election-related incidents. Authorities typically step up vigilance during political campaigns to minimize disruptions and ensure a fair electoral environment.

The police investigation is ongoing, and further details regarding potential charges are expected pending the conclusion of the interrogation. The incident serves as a reminder to the public that any form of election interference or property destruction will be met with immediate legal action.

A 45-year-old man died suddenly Saturday evening after collapsing inside an office building in Tsim Sha Tsui, prompting a police investigation into the nature of his death.

The incident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. at the Lippo Sun Centre, located at 28 Canton Road, a busy commercial area in Kowloon. The victim, identified by authorities as a man surnamed Kwong, was found unresponsive by a colleague inside their office space, who immediately summoned emergency services. Paramedics rushed Mr. Kwong, who was already in a deep coma, to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Despite intensive efforts by medical staff, he was later pronounced dead. Police have initially classified the case as a “death upon arrival at hospital,” pending an autopsy to determine the precise cause.

Police Investigate Unattended Death

Details surrounding the man’s final moments remain scarce, though authorities have indicated no suspicious circumstances were immediately apparent at the scene. Initial reports suggest the death was sudden, consistent with a medical emergency such as a cardiac arrest or stroke.

The Tsim Sha Tsui district is one of Hong Kong’s most densely populated commercial and tourist hubs, and the Lippo Sun Centre houses multiple corporations and professional service firms. The incident underscores the alarming regularity of sudden collapses in offices and public spaces, often linked to underlying, undiagnosed health conditions.

A police spokesperson confirmed that standard procedures are being followed for an unexpected death. “We are treating this as an unattended death until forensic pathologists provide a definitive cause. At this stage, there is no indication of foul play,” the spokesperson stated following preliminary inquiries. Forensic analysis, including a full post-mortem examination, will be crucial in establishing whether the death was due to natural causes or other factors.

Focus on Workplace Wellness and Health Emergencies

While the specific health history of the deceased is private, medical experts often cite stress, sedentary lifestyles, and poor diet as contributing factors to sudden cardiac events among middle-aged professionals in Hong Kong. The city’s demanding work culture frequently leads executive and white-collar employees to neglect preventative health screenings.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death globally, and rapid intervention is critical. Many workplaces, particularly in high-rise commercial centers, are encouraged to implement protocols for medical emergencies, including the placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and training staff in CPR.

Actionable Takeaways for Employers and Employees:

• Prioritize Health Screenings: Regular medical check-ups are essential for detecting conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease before they become catastrophic.
• Workplace Preparedness: Companies should ensure readily accessible, functioning AEDs are placed throughout office facilities.
• Emergency Training: Employees should be routinely trained in basic life support (BLS) and CPR to provide immediate aid before professional help arrives.

The body of the deceased has been transferred to the public mortuary, where the mandatory autopsy is scheduled to take place in the coming days. The findings will provide closure to the man’s family and formally determine the circumstances of the sudden passing within one of Hong Kong’s major commercial buildings.

A serious industrial accident at the Sai Kung Wo Mei Sewage Treatment Plant construction site has resulted in the death of a 49-year-old contractor, prompting an immediate halt to work and launching a safety investigation. The worker, identified only by the surname Tam, was found unconscious late Saturday morning while installing electrical and mechanical equipment.

The incident occurred just after 10 a.m. Saturday, November 22nd, when Mr. Tam was reportedly discovered collapsed. Preliminary observations suggest his clothing may have become entangled in an operating power drill, subsequently tightening around his neck. He was rushed to Tseung Kwan O Hospital but succumbed to his injuries later that evening, around 8 p.m.

Swift Action Follows Tragedy

Following the fatality, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) expressed profound sympathies and ordered an immediate cessation of all related work. Alfred Mok Wing-cheong, Director of Drainage Services, conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of the contractor’s employee and extended condolences to the deceased’s family. The DSD has mandated that the principal contractor provide comprehensive support to the family during this difficult time.

The department emphasized that it has demanded both the main contractor and all subcontractors immediately cease operations and conduct thorough safety audits across the site. Furthermore, the contractor has been ordered to conduct an in-depth investigation into the precise sequence of events leading to the fatal accident.

“We are fully cooperating with relevant government departments to ensure a complete and impartial inquiry into this tragedy,” a DSD spokesperson confirmed.

Focus on Workplace Safety Protocol

Industrial safety advocates, including the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims (ARIAV), have called for a comprehensive, transparent investigation into the firm’s safety protocols regarding machinery use and worker attire. Workplace safety standards universally caution against wearing loose clothing or jewelry near rotating machinery due to the extreme risk of entanglement and severe injury.

This incident underscores the continuous challenge of maintaining stringent safety practices on large infrastructure projects. Construction sites, particularly those involving specialized mechanical and electrical installations, present inherent risks that require meticulous adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidelines and mandatory safety briefings.

Preventing Future Entanglements

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with powerful industrial equipment. Experts often stress layered defenses to prevent similar accidents:

• Engineering Controls: Ensuring all rotating parts are fully guarded and interlocked.
• Administrative Controls: Implementing clear protocols for equipment operation, mandatory shutoffs during maintenance, and comprehensive training.
• Behavioral Controls: Strictly enforcing rules against loose-fitting clothing, ties, or unconstrained hair near moving parts.

The government investigation is expected to focus on whether standard operating procedures were followed, the condition of the equipment involved, and the adequacy of on-site supervision and safety training provided to the workers handling electromechanical installations. The findings will likely result in updated safety mandates for similar government infrastructure projects moving forward, aiming to prevent entanglement hazards that tragically claimed the life of the worker in Sai Kung.

HONG KONG, November 22 — Hong Kong police have apprehended a 49-year-old mainland Chinese man accused of orchestrating a brazen phone scam targeting the elderly, specifically focusing on the widely used “impersonation of a son” tactic to secure bogus bail money. The arrest came four days after an 86-year-old victim came forward, revealing how rapid mobilization of friends and family thwarted the fraud.

The investigation began last Monday, November 17, when the elderly man reported receiving a distressing phone call. The caller, falsely claiming to be the victim’s son, asserted he had been detained by police and urgently required funds for immediate release, disguised as a “bail payment.” Recognizing the unusual nature of the request, the victim wisely consulted with relatives, who quickly confirmed the situation was entirely fabricated. He then immediately contacted law enforcement.

Following up on leads, officers from the Kwai Tsing District Crime Squad 1 executed an operation on Thursday, November 21, leading to the suspect’s arrest around 2 p.m. The man was taken into custody at a virtual currency exchange located in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The suspect faces charges of obtaining property by deception, a serious offense under Section 17 of the Theft Ordinance (Cap. 210) of Hong Kong law, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment. He is currently being detained pending further investigation.

Cash Seized Hints at Wider Deception

Crucially, upon apprehension, authorities discovered HK$80,000 in cash on the suspect’s person. Police believe this money is the proceeds of a separate, similar phone scam that has not yet been formally reported. This suggests the arrested individual may be linked to a broader network or multiple instances of deceit.

Police emphasized the need for community vigilance, urging anyone whose family or friends may have been targeted for similar amounts on the same day to contact them immediately.

“We are highly concerned about the proliferation of telephone fraud,” a police spokesperson stated on Thursday, appealing to the public, particularly those with vulnerable elderly relatives.

Key Scams and Prevention Advice:

The authorities reinforced several critical messages aimed at preventing similar financial exploitation:

• Verify Identity: Any caller claiming to be a relative with a new phone number who then requests money or a loan should be treated with extreme suspicion. This is a common hallmark of deception.
• Official Verification: If a caller mentions the need for bail funds, citizens should directly contact the relevant police station to verify the details. No legitimate police action requires private citizens to pay bail to unassigned individuals.
• Protect the Elderly: Family members must actively engage with senior citizens, sharing anti-deception information and looking out for signs of manipulation to prevent them from becoming targets.

The police also reminded the public that the Anti-Deception Hotline (18222) remains operational for consultations regarding any suspicious calls or activities.

The successful apprehension underscores law enforcement’s commitment to tackling sophisticated financial crimes that often prey on the trust and good nature of the community’s oldest members. The investigation remains ongoing as police seek to determine if the arrested man acted alone or as part of a larger syndicate.

HONG KONG—The world of collectible trading cards converged on Hong Kong starting today for the largest event of its kind ever held in the region, the Grade10 Festival, running for two days at the Hopewell Hotel in Wan Chai. This year’s immense scale has attracted over 120 exhibitors from across the globe, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, mainland China, and Southeast Asia, with organizers anticipating more than 23,000 attendees seeking rare finds and groundbreaking displays. The event underscores Hong Kong’s growing influence as a critical nexus in the booming international trading card market.

Global Attention Drawn to Van Gogh Pikachu Display

A major centerpiece of the festival is the global debut of a colossal “Van Gogh Pikachu” card wall, a visually stunning installation comprising over 400 graded PSA 10 “Gray Felt Hat Pikachu” cards. Valued at nearly HK$5 million (approximately US$640,000), this exhibit highlights the staggering value now attached to these collectibles. The card itself, released in 2023 as a promotional tie-in between Pokémon and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, famously depicts Pikachu mimicking Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with a Gray Felt Hat, immediately becoming a modern classic in the hobby.

The festival’s magnetic draw was exemplified by the attendance of internationally renowned collector Nick Uliano, who traveled specifically from the United States to participate. His presence affirms Hong Kong’s rise as a vital destination for high-end card enthusiasts and investors.

“This specially included global premiere of the ‘Van Gogh Pikachu’ card wall is precisely to show the world that Hong Kong is not only a hub for numerous collectors but also a center where rare cards converge,” said Chan Chin-ching, CEO of MemeStrategy (2440.HK), one of the event’s key partners. He articulated strong confidence in Hong Kong’s potential to become the preeminent trading card exchange center in Asia, citing the city’s sophisticated infrastructure, deep pool of wealthy collectors, high transaction volumes, and card diversity as competitive advantages.

An Intersection of Tech and Pop Culture

Beyond the high-value cards, the Grade10 Festival incorporates technology and celebrity cachet. The event features the world’s first “Threads Dynamic Wall,” a cooperative venture with Meta’s social media platform, designed to facilitate real-time sharing and interaction among participants.

The opening ceremony drew notable figures from finance, culture, and sports, including Bernard Chan, Chairman of the Our Hong Kong Foundation; Chan Ka-kin, Managing Director of Grade10; and entertainment figure Alex Fong (Stephan Fung), underscoring the broad appeal of the hobby. Other supporting partners involved in the opening included the co-founder of CASETiFY and founding members of the American anime streaming service Crunchyroll.

Collector Benefits and Future Outlook

To engage attendees, organizers are offering opportunities to win highly sought-after prizes, including four “Gray Felt Hat Pikachu” cards, two of which are certified PSA 10 gem mint condition. Participants can enter by excelling in trivia or winning games in the designated activity zone.

As a renowned international wealth management hub, Hong Kong possesses a substantial number of affluent collectors capable of driving prices and establishing benchmark value in the market. The success and scale of the Grade10 Festival signals a turning point, suggesting the city is rapidly transitioning from a regional market to a dominant global force in high-stakes collectible trading. The event serves as a concrete indicator of the hobby’s maturity and its integration into the broader investment landscape in Asia.

HONG KONG — The Hong Kong Palace Museum has prolonged viewing hours for its highly anticipated ancient Egyptian civilization exhibition after an extraordinary influx of visitors led to extended queues and significant crowd management challenges. Following immense public demand for the “World of Tutankhamun” display, the museum will keep the relevant galleries open an additional hour tonight, until 9 p.m., in an effort to accommodate the surging crowds, the institution announced Friday.

The museum acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the current congestion and confirmed it would conduct a review of its entry procedures, promising to deploy more staff to manage on-site logistics and ensure visitor flow. Looking ahead, the institution is also adjusting its schedule for the weekend, extending the exhibition’s opening time until 8 p.m. on Saturday to mitigate anticipated weekend peaks.

Compensating Ticket Holders and Managing Crowds

In an unusual gesture aimed at compensating visitors for the long wait times, the museum is granting free re-entry to anyone holding a ticket from Friday’s viewing. These visitors may retain their tickets and use them for one complimentary admission within the next three months. This provision applies equally to those who used flexible passes or membership tickets today.

The “World of Tutankhamun” exhibition, featuring artifacts related to the famed pharaoh, has drawn intense interest since its debut. However, the sheer volume of attendees has overwhelmed initial logistical plans.

Museum management strongly advised future visitors to plan their viewing around non-peak hours, suggesting morning or late afternoon slots to bypass the typical rush observed during the midday period.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

As the exhibition continues to draw large numbers, the museum is emphasizing pre-booked tickets as the most reliable way to guarantee entry. Currently, only a limited number of tickets are being sold on-site. Furthermore, the museum warned that it might temporarily suspend in-person ticket sales during periods of extreme congestion to prioritize managing the flow of already-queued visitors.

The immediate measure of extending hours is a direct response to the community’s enthusiasm for world history and cultural exchange. Such high turnout for international displays underscores Hong Kong’s appetite for major global arts and culture events, even as institutions grapple with post-pandemic attendance spikes.

Next Steps for the Museum

Experts suggest that major museums hosting blockbusters often face a learning curve in estimating initial demand, especially given the pent-up enthusiasm for major events. The Hong Kong Palace Museum’s pledge to review staffing and entry protocols indicates a move toward establishing more robust visitor management systems for this scale of international exhibition.

Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s official website or social media channels for the most current information regarding queue times and ticket availability before traveling to the West Kowloon Cultural District. The flexibility in compensating today’s ticket holders sets a precedent for how major institutions handle unexpected capacity issues during high-profile runs.

TSEUNG KWAN O, HONG KONG — Police in Hong Kong’s New Territories investigated suspicious skeletal fragments discovered by a passerby on Wednesday afternoon, ultimately confirming the remains were from an animal. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on November 22 near 5 Chi Shin Street in Tseung Kwan O, prompting a localized police response that concluded with environmental personnel retrieving the bones. The case has been officially categorized as the discovery of an animal carcass.

The incident follows recent localized concerns across social media regarding mysterious bones found in the district, fueling public speculation about their origin.

Local Discovery Ends Residents’ Speculation

The investigation began after a member of the public alerted authorities to what appeared to be fragmented white bones scattered on the ground. Officers were dispatched to the scene, conducted a preliminary examination, and determined the fragments were not human. This rapid assessment helped quell anxieties that had been circulating online for days.

The discovery echoes earlier community reports. Last week, a resident posted photographs of similar small white bones in the local Facebook group, “Tseung Kwan O Home,” generating intense discussion among neighborhood users speculating on the nature and origin of the fragments. The individual noted finding “a pile of very fine white bones” near the former Tseung Kwan O South Bridge, expressing uncertainty about their source.

Animal Remains Highlight Urban-Nature Intersection

While the discovery itself is routine for animal control agencies, the public reaction underscores the close proximity between densely populated urban areas and natural habitats in Hong Kong. Tseung Kwan O, a mix of high-rise residential estates and coastal green spaces, is home to a range of wildlife, including stray dogs, cats, small rodents, and various bird species.

Animal mortality, whether through natural causes, accidents, or scavenging, is common. Experts note that small animal carcasses are often quickly broken down by environmental factors and other wildlife, leaving fragmented skeletal remains.

The prompt dispatch of both police and relevant environmental staff to secure the area and remove the bones adheres to standard protocol for handling potentially hazardous or disturbing biological materials found in public areas.

Public Awareness and Reporting

Authorities use incidents such as this to remind the public of the appropriate procedures when encountering suspicious or potentially distressing discoveries in public spaces.

When encountering unexpected or potentially disturbing remains, the public is advised to take the following steps:

• Do Not Touch: Avoid physical contact with the materials.
• Report Immediately: Contact the police non-emergency line or local animal control services with the precise location.
• Provide Details: Note the size, color, and quantity of the fragments, if possible, without disturbing the scene.

The bones retrieved from Chi Shin Street have been handed over to the appropriate department for potential further analysis, though the preliminary classification as an animal carcass suggests no foul play is suspected in connection with the remains. The resolution of the case provides a factual conclusion to the brief period of public mystery fueled by social media reports.

Hong Kong’s Transport Department announced Friday its plans to roll out an advanced smart traffic system across the territory following a successful pilot in Tung Chung, which demonstrably reduced vehicle wait times and earned official recognition for innovation. The system, known as the Tung Chung Area Real-Time Traffic Light Adjustment System, secured an Award for Excellence in the Smart Mobility (Smart Traffic) category at the esteemed 2025 Hong Kong ICT Awards, underscoring its operational effectiveness since its launch mid-last year.

The technology is credited with significantly improving traffic flow in the test area. Officials confirmed that vehicles passing through equipped intersections saw their average waiting time drop by an estimated 5% to 10%. Building on this positive outcome, the Transport Department is now preparing to implement this sophisticated signaling technology at approximately 50 suitable, independently controlled intersections across Hong Kong, with installation and testing scheduled to commence progressively in 2026.

Leveraging AI for Dynamic Flow

The core of the system lies in its innovative “dual-layer control” concept, which allows traffic signals to be dynamically managed at both the individual intersection level and across the entire regional network simultaneously. This integrated approach enables the system to continuously calculate and implement the most optimal light timing based on prevailing traffic conditions throughout the area.

Sensors deployed at crosswalks and along roadways feed real-time volume data—encompassing both vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement—into an artificial intelligence engine. The AI analyzes these inputs instantaneously, adjusting the green light duration to efficiently allocate time for vehicles and pedestrians, thereby minimizing delays and maximizing operational efficiency at busy junctions.

Implementing advanced, reactive signal control marks a critical step in modernizing the city’s infrastructure and addressing persistent congestion issues. Unlike traditional fixed-time signaling, which operates on predetermined cycles regardless of actual demand, the smart system reacts minute-by-minute to reduce bottlenecks as they form.

Phased Expansion and Future Impact

The department’s decision to scale up the project demonstrates a commitment to leveraging data-driven technology for urban management. The gradual rollout beginning in 2026 is expected to transform traffic management practices across Hong Kong’s densest neighborhoods, offering commuters, commercial vehicles, and pedestrians a smoother, more predictable travel experience.

Should the citywide expansion yield similar results to the Tung Chung pilot, the potential implications are substantial. A 5% to 10% reduction in wait times translates directly into less idling, lower carbon emissions, and increased productivity.

Industry analysts suggest that the success of this intelligent transportation system could serve as a model for other highly dense urban centers worldwide grappling with complex traffic patterns. The Transport Department will closely monitor the initial phases of deployment to iron out any necessary technical and logistical adjustments before full operational launch across all 50 selected sites. This strategic investment in smart infrastructure highlights Hong Kong’s dedication to maintaining its status as a leading smart city.

HONG KONG, November 22 — A political veteran-heavy delegation from the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) rallied today in support of legislative hopeful Rachel Chik Kit-ling, who is campaigning for a December 7 seat in the crucial Hong Kong Island East constituency. During a powerful mobilization event in Siu Sai Wan Estate, Ms. Chik, visibly moved to tears, underscored her deep local roots and unwavering dedication to the community she calls home, as she prepares to face a multi-candidate field in the upcoming election.

The event drew an array of influential party figures, signaling a high-level endorsement for the younger generation of pro-establishment politicians. Key attendees included former National People’s Congress Standing Committee member Tam Yiu-chung, former Legislative Council President Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, and former lawmakers Ip Kwok-him, Choy So-yuk, and Christopher Chung Shu-kun, alongside current Hong Kong Island East Legislative Councilor Edward Leung Hei.

Deep Local Ties Anchor Election Bid

Ms. Chik emphasized that Siu Sai Wan is “her home,” recounting growing up in the neighborhood and witnessing its transformation. Having begun her career as a legislative assistant, she highlighted an extensive decade-long apprenticeship under veteran politicians including Mr. Tsang, Mr. Chung, Horace Cheung Kwok-kwan, and Mr. Leung, an accumulation of experience that culminated in her previous victory as a District Councillor.

The candidate touched upon the geographical challenge of the area, the furthest edge of Hong Kong Island East, joking about the frequent need to explain Siu Sai Wan’s location to others, noting that many often confuse it with Sai Wan Ho. She stressed that her tenure, whether at the district or legislative level, has always been driven by the responsibility of improving habitability for her neighbors and fellow residents.

Veterans Assert Confidence in Succession

The endorsements served as a strong testimonial to Ms. Chik’s commitment and capability. Jasper Tsang Yok-sing affirmed the readiness of the younger DAB generation to assume leadership roles, urging public support for Ms. Chik’s entry into the legislature. He expressed confidence that she would successfully continue the party’s mission of community service, particularly in advancing livelihood issues in Siu Sai Wan and the broader Hong Kong Island East area.

Christopher Chung Shu-kun offered a poignant anecdote, recalling Ms. Chik’s involvement in volunteer activities since she was a toddler. He praised her decade of service in his office, characterizing her as an individual who, regardless of weather conditions—be it sun, rain, or typhoon—”fights regardless of personal danger” to solve residents’ problems, showcasing profound passion and dedication.

Current legislator Edward Leung Hei echoed the sentiment, admitting he learned from Ms. Chik the importance of immediate on-site response. He confidently stated that she is “more excellent and diligent” than him and predicted she would achieve even greater success, calling on constituents to vote for her on December 7.

DAB’s Dual Candidacy and Election Focus

The DAB has fielded two candidates in Hong Kong Island East this cycle: Ms. Chik and Li Ching-ha. Responding to voter confusion over the dual candidacy, Ms. Chik asserted that supporting either DAB candidate translates to “an affirmation of the party’s 33 years of service” in the region.

Looking ahead, the candidate urged voters to maintain principles of “not listening, not responding, and not believing” future challenges or rumors, stressing unity and trust in the party’s established reputation. Regarding her platform, Ms. Chik promised three focal areas if elected:

• Creating a dynamic and safe waterfront environment to boost quality of life.
• Providing comprehensive support for families, the middle class, youth, and elderly.
• Strictly scrutinizing policies relevant to Hong Kong Island East and delivering tangible results.

The Hong Kong Island East constituency election scheduled for December 7 also features candidates Stanley Ng Chau-pei (Federation of Trade Unions), Kwok Ho-king (New People’s Party), and Frank Yuen Kin-chung (Liberal Party).

HONG KONG, October 26 – New efforts by Hong Kong’s five licensed taxi fleets to recruit drivers are facing significant headwinds, highlighted by a widely circulated online advertisement offering a base monthly salary of just HK$13,000 (approximately US$1,660). The meager guaranteed wage, coupled with stringent working conditions, has sparked an intense debate among industry insiders and the public, casting doubt on the government-backed initiative’s ability to stabilize the city’s critical transportation sector.

The controversy follows the official launch of all five approved taxi fleets in July, an endeavor intended to modernize service quality and professionalism. However, reports suggest the fleets are struggling to meet their operational goals due to difficulties in hiring sufficient personnel.

Recruitment Terms Spur Industry Criticism

The contentious recruitment notice, posted recently on the “Taxi Driver Information Network Taxi” Facebook group, did not specify which fleet was hiring, but outlined terms for a full-time, long-term position. The job requires six workdays per week, with ten-hour shifts (either 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.).

Beyond the HK$13,000 minimum salary, the compensation package includes a potential monthly performance bonus of up to HK$5,000. Crucially, drivers only qualify for a 50% commission on fares after achieving a daily revenue target of HK$1,800.

Detailed requirements for drivers stipulate strict adherence to professional appearance, including wearing a shirt and trousers, along with expectations for punctuality, safe driving, cleanliness, and courteous behavior—including actively assisting passengers with luggage and operating car doors.

When inquiring under the pretense of being a potential recruit, a local media outlet confirmed the advertised conditions were accurate. A significant caveat was revealed: if a driver fails to meet the HK$1,800 daily target, the company bears the cost of fuel or electricity. However, once the target is surpassed, the driver must split the revenue and associated energy costs with the company.

Industry Experts Question Fleet ‘Sincerity’

The meager pay and demanding targets have drawn sharp criticism from industry representatives. Stephen Chow Kwok-keung, Chairman of the Smart Mobility Federation, told local media that the offer “completely lacks sincerity” in attracting professional drivers.

“A diligent driver can easily earn between HK$20,000 and HK$30,000 per month,” Mr. Chow noted, emphasizing that the advertised terms are fundamentally unattractive compared to the earnings potential of independent taxi operators who rent their own vehicles.

Many online commenters echoed this sentiment, arguing that drivers could earn significantly more by renting a cab independently, stating, “Why work to hit $1,800 a day for $13,000 when you can rent a car and handle $1,800 yourself?”

Impact of Electric Vehicles on Driver Retention

Industry analysts point to deeper structural issues undermining the taxi fleet initiative’s success. While many veteran drivers are shifting to the taxi sector due to higher recent unemployment, the influx is insufficient to cover the number of vacancies.

A key impediment, according to experts, is the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into the fleets. Mr. Chow explained that the taxi business operates on the principle of “exchanging time for money.” The current lack of adequate EV charging infrastructure forces drivers to waste valuable time waiting to recharge, directly eroding their income—especially during profitable rush hours. This frustration is reportedly deterring many drivers from joining the fleets, particularly those requiring EV operation.

While the low base salary was widely condemned, some online commentators suggested the employment structure might appeal to specific demographics. They proposed the guaranteed income and labor protections could be suitable for retirees seeking stable work hours without the high financial pressures of independent cab rental. Furthermore, some noted that the income level might still allow a worker to qualify for public housing benefits, a rare opportunity for service sector employees working six days a week.

Next Steps for Service Modernization

For Hong Kong’s taxi fleet initiative to succeed, industry observers believe companies must fundamentally revise their compensation structures to be competitive with independent operators. Furthermore, both fleet operators and the government must urgently address the shortcomings in electric vehicle support infrastructure to mitigate time-loss risks for drivers who rely on efficient operations for their livelihood. Until these issues are resolved, the push for modernizing the city’s taxi services through structured fleets risks stalled progress.