#hong_kong

Shein shares slide on fast-fashion retailer’s stock market debut Shares in the fast-fashion brand Shein slumped as much as 10% on its long-awaited debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange, marking a significant setback for the China-founded company. The Singapore-headquartered firm, once valued at nearly $100 billion, priced its shares at HK$48.56, valuing the business at just over $26 billion. However, the stock fell sharply in the minutes following the flotation, which raised HK$13.6 billion, pushing the company’s valuation below $25 billion. By the end of trading, the share price had recovered slightly to HK$46.62, a 4% discount from the offer price. The lackluster market response highlights the challenges Shein faces as it transitions to a publicly traded company. This comes after years of failed attempts to list in the United States and United Kingdom, where regulatory scrutiny over its supply chain and labor practices stalled plans. Shein had previously considered a £50 billion flotation in London but faced similar concerns from campaigners, lawmakers, and investors. The company’s decision to pivot to Hong Kong reflects its strategy to navigate global regulatory hurdles while maintaining its business model. A key factor behind the share price drop is the tightening of international regulations targeting Shein’s business model. The company relies on shipping goods in small, low-value packages from China to exploit tax breaks on imported goods. However, regulatory changes in major markets have disrupted this strategy. In the United States, the removal of the “de minimis” import duty exemption on small packages has significantly impacted Shein’s sales. Similarly, the European Union introduced a €3 customs duty on small parcels imported from outside the bloc in June, with plans to phase out the loophole entirely.#hong_kong #singapore #shein #chris_xu #hong_kong_stock_exchange

ME9 Announces Strategic Partnership with Football Legend Ronaldinho ME9, a leading online entertainment platform, has unveiled a landmark partnership with football icon Ronaldinho, marking a pivotal step in its global branding strategy. The collaboration, announced in Hong Kong, positions Ronaldinho as the brand’s official Global Brand Ambassador, underscoring ME9’s commitment to connecting with sports fans worldwide through innovation, excellence, and the enduring spirit of football. This partnership is designed to amplify ME9’s presence in international markets while creating immersive digital experiences for football enthusiasts. Ronaldinho, a FIFA World Cup champion with Brazil, a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, and Ballon d’Or winner, is celebrated for his creativity, sportsmanship, and ability to inspire generations of fans. His global appeal and charismatic personality make him an ideal partner for ME9’s vision to engage football communities through premium entertainment and fan-focused initiatives. The collaboration aims to bridge the gap between the sport and its audience by leveraging Ronaldinho’s legacy and ME9’s digital platform. As part of the partnership, Ronaldinho will serve as ME9’s official ambassador, participating in marketing campaigns, digital initiatives, and community engagement projects. These efforts are expected to include exclusive online experiences, promotional activities, and content that celebrate football’s cultural significance. A ME9 spokesperson emphasized that the partnership aligns with the brand’s values of creativity and passion, stating, “Together, we aim to create unforgettable experiences for football fans while strengthening our connection with audiences worldwide.#football #hong_kong #ronaldinho #me9 #global_branding

Oman set up semifinal clash with Nepal Oman’s young, home-grown cricket team faced a significant setback in their final Group B fixture of the Men’s T20I Asian Games Qualifier, losing to Hong Kong by 154 runs at the Singapore National Cricket Ground on Friday. Despite the defeat, Oman secured their place in the semifinals, having previously defeated Singapore and Bahrain to claim a historic Asian Games berth. The team will now prepare for a high-stakes semifinal against tournament favorites Nepal on June 7. Oman’s captain, Sufyan Mehmood, opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that proved costly. Hong Kong delivered a dominant batting performance, amassing 287 for 1 in 20 overs. Opener Anshuman Rath led the charge with an unbeaten 140 off 56 balls, including 13 fours and 10 sixes, at a strike rate of 250. He formed a 192-run partnership with skipper Nizakat Khan, who scored 76 from 45 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes. Oman’s breakthrough came in the 15th over when Naveed al Balushi dismissed Nizakat, but the respite was short-lived. Babar Hayat then launched a late assault, scoring an unbeaten 63 from 19 balls, with seven fours and five sixes, to help Hong Kong reach their imposing total. In the chase, Oman struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Their batting line-up faltered under pressure, and they were dismantled by Hong Kong’s disciplined attack. Off-spinner Ehsan Khan was the standout performer, claiming 4 wickets for 12 runs in four overs. Oman’s batters showed some resilience, with Zubair al Balushi scoring 40 off 23 balls, including five fours and two sixes, and wicketkeeper Muzaffar Shiralkar contributing 36 from 26 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six. Oman eventually ended the innings at 133 for 8. The match also marked the T20I debuts of Munthir al Balushi and Faris al Balushi.#nepal #oman #hong_kong #nizakat_khan #anshuman_rath

Hong Kong cricketers have ‘transformational’ chance after sealing Asian Games spot Hong Kong’s cricket team secured a place in the 10-team Asian Games tournament in Nagoya, Japan, after defeating Singapore in a dominant display. The victory, combined with an earlier eight-wicket win over Bahrain, ensured their qualification for the prestigious event. The win over Singapore, which saw Hong Kong chase a modest target of 62 runs with ease, marked a significant step forward for the city’s cricketing ambitions. In the match against Singapore, Hong Kong’s bowlers dismantled the opposition’s innings, with opener Nizakat Khan losing his wicket early. The team eventually sealed the victory by nine wickets in 12.3 overs, showcasing their attacking prowess. This result followed their earlier crushing win over Bahrain, where they chased down 174 runs with a display of ruthless efficiency. Coach Kaushal Silva highlighted the importance of the qualification, emphasizing that access to advanced training facilities—such as high-end gym equipment, physiotherapy, ice baths, and saunas—would enhance the players’ physical and mental capacity. He noted that such resources would allow for daily training and recovery, potentially transforming their performance. Key performances from the Hong Kong squad were instrumental in securing the victory. Leg spinner Mohammad Ghazanfar delivered a standout display, taking three wickets for six runs in three overs. Ayush Shukla and Hassan Khan Mohammad each claimed two wickets, contributing to the team’s dominance over Singapore. Anshy Rath’s quick-fire unbeaten 32 off 6.3 overs ensured a swift victory, while Babar Hayat’s earlier heroics against Bahrain—scoring an unbeaten 93 from 48 balls—underscored the team’s attacking mindset.#hong_kong #nagoya_japan #nizakat_khan #kaushal_silva #mohammad_ghazanfar

Passenger Left in Heated Galley for 13.5 Hours After Death on BA Flight A woman in her 60s died shortly after take-off from Hong Kong on a British Airways flight, and her body was left in a heated galley for over 13.5 hours before the plane reached Heathrow. Passengers and crew reported being deeply traumatized by the situation, with complaints about the foul odor growing as the flight neared its destination. The incident occurred on a flight operated by an Airbus A350-1000, which departed Hong Kong for London. According to reports, the woman passed away approximately an hour after the aircraft took off. British Airways pilots opted to continue the journey to Heathrow rather than divert back to Hong Kong, despite the distress of passengers and crew. During the flight, crew members faced challenges in handling the deceased passenger’s remains. A source described the situation as chaotic, noting that discussions took place about where to place the body. The flight deck’s request to lock the body in a toilet was rejected, forcing the crew to isolate the body, wrap it in materials, and move it to a galley at the rear of the plane. The galley had a heated floor, which was overlooked by some crew members, leading to complaints about an unpleasant smell in that area by the end of the flight. Authorities intervened on Sunday, boarding the flight to investigate. Police asked up to 331 passengers to remain seated for 45 minutes while they conducted their inquiries. The airline confirmed that all procedures were followed correctly, though some crew members reportedly experienced trauma and were off work. A source praised the crew for their handling of the situation, noting that there is no single protocol for dealing with a deceased passenger during a flight.#hong_kong #british_airways #heathrow #airbus_a350_1000 #passengers

British Airways passengers report foul odor after dead body stored on 14-hour flight to Heathrow Passengers on a 14-hour British Airways flight from Hong Kong to London Heathrow described a “foul smell” after a woman in her 60s died shortly after takeoff on 15 March. The incident occurred during the flight, which landed at 4:52 am with 331 passengers aboard. According to reports, the body was placed in a heated galley near the rear of the aircraft, leading to complaints about an unpleasant odor. A source told The Sun that the deceased’s family and crew members were “distraught” following the incident. The account detailed a discussion among crew members about handling the body, with the flight deck’s request to lock it in a toilet being rejected. Instead, the body was isolated, wrapped in materials, and moved to the galley. The galley’s heated floor, which some crew had overlooked, reportedly contributed to the foul smell detected toward the end of the flight. Guidelines from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) state that a deceased passenger should be moved to an isolated seat, placed back in their own seat, or, at the crew’s discretion, positioned in another area that does not obstruct an aisle or exit. The source noted that the situation was not classified as an emergency since the passenger had already died. British Airways confirmed the incident, stating that a customer passed away on board and that all procedures were followed. A spokesperson expressed condolences to the family and mentioned support for the crew. After landing, police met the flight at Heathrow, and passengers were instructed to remain seated for 45 minutes while investigations were conducted.#hong_kong #the_sun #british_airways #international_air_transport_association #heathrow_airport

Australian-Born Ryan Williams Likely To Make India Debut As Khalid Jamil Names Squad For Hong Kong Qualifier Australian-born forward Ryan Williams is set to make his debut for the Indian national team after being included in head coach Khalid Jamil’s 23-player squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier against Hong Kong on March 31 in Kochi. The 31-year-old winger, who previously played for Australia, has been cleared by FIFA to switch his allegiance to India, allowing him to represent the country at the senior international level. Williams was part of India’s preparatory camp for the Bangladesh qualifier but did not feature in the final squad due to pending documentation. With all formalities now completed, he is expected to debut against Hong Kong. Williams, whose mother is of Anglo-Indian descent, will become the second foreign-born player of Indian origin to represent India after Japan-born Arata Izumi, who played for the national team between 2013 and 2014. Currently a key attacker for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League, Williams renounced his Australian passport last year to pursue a career with India. Born in Perth in 1993, he began his professional career in England, joining Portsmouth’s academy in 2010. He made his senior debut for Portsmouth in 2011 and later played for clubs including Fulham and Barnsley. On the international stage, Williams represented Australia at the youth level, participating in the 2012 AFC U-19 Championship and the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup. His only senior appearance for Australia came in a 2019 friendly against South Korea, a non-competitive match that allowed him to switch national teams under FIFA rules. India’s squad for the Hong Kong qualifier includes a mix of experienced players and young talent.#india #ryan_williams #hong_kong #khalid_jamil #afc_asian_cup_2027_qualifier

Jennie Performs Tame Impala's "Dracula" at Hong Kong Festival Jennie made her first live performance of Tame Impala's "Dracula" during a solo set at Hong Kong’s Complex Live music festival on Sunday night. The Blackpink singer took the stage at AsiaWorld-Expo for a 10-song performance that highlighted tracks from her debut solo album, Ruby. The set included her remixed version of "Dracula," a collaboration with the Australian band Tame Impala, which was originally released on their 2025 album Deadbeat. Jennie and Tame Impala first partnered on the track in February, with the new version featuring Jennie's vocal contributions. The performance allowed her to showcase her unique interpretation of the song, which she had previously shared on social media. The event marked a significant moment for Jennie, who has been promoting Ruby since its March 2025 release through her own label, Odd Atelier, and Columbia Records. The 15-track album featured collaborations with artists such as Childish Gambino, Doechii, and Dua Lipa. The performance also coincided with Blackpink’s recent activities. The group reunited for their mini album Deadline, released in February 2025, and embarked on the Deadline World Tour, which concluded in Hong Kong in July. The tour included their comeback single "Jump" and a tribute to earlier girl-group pioneers, such as the Spice Girls, during a performance of "Wannabe" at Wembley Stadium in August. Tame Impala’s Deadbeat, released in October 2025, is the group’s fifth full-length album. Frontman Kevin Parker described the project as a "future primitive rave act," a departure from their earlier work. Jennie’s remix of "Dracula" aligns with her artistic evolution, blending pop sensibilities with experimental elements.#hong_kong #tame_impala #jennie #complex_live #deadbeat

Hong Kong apartment fires: hearings to begin into Wang Fuk blaze that killed 168 people Public hearings in Hong Kong are set to begin on Thursday to examine the circumstances surrounding the deadliest residential building fire in the city’s history, which claimed the lives of 168 people. The investigation will focus on whether fire safety standards were insufficient, if construction practices played a role in the disaster, and if government officials or contractors failed in their duties. The blaze, which occurred on 26 November at Wang Fuk Court—a high-rise apartment complex in the Tai Po district—was the worst residential fire globally since 1980. The fire engulfed seven of the eight residential towers in the complex, which were undergoing renovations. The structure was covered in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting, and foam boards, materials that may have accelerated the fire’s spread. The incident has prompted an independent committee led by a judge to investigate systemic issues, including potential conflicts of interest, corruption, or irregularities in the tendering process for the renovation work. The committee’s inquiry will also assess whether there were broader failures in oversight or accountability. Yip Ka-kui, a former resident who lost his wife and home in the fire, expressed his desire for justice and transparency. Speaking to Agence France-Presse, he emphasized the need for the commission to thoroughly examine the roles of all parties involved. “They should take responsibility if they are at fault,” he said, calling for clarity on the responsibilities of those implicated. The hearings will feature testimony from government officials, former residents, directors of construction firms, and members of the Wang Fuk Court management committee.#hong_kong #agence_france_presse #wang_fuk_court #tai_po_district #independent_commission_against_corruption

Hong Kong stocks extend winning streak amid stabilising oil prices despite Iran conflict Hong Kong stocks rose for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, driven by investor confidence in overnight gains on Wall Street and the stabilization of oil prices, even as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East persisted. The Hang Seng Index climbed 0.6 percent to 26,025.42 at the close of trading, marking its longest winning streak since January 29. The Hang Seng Tech Index remained largely unchanged, while mainland Chinese indices also saw modest gains, with the CSI 300 Index rising 0.5 percent and the Shanghai Composite Index gaining 0.3 percent. Several key stocks outperformed, including Alibaba Group Holding, which surged 2.3 percent to HK$137.70, and Baidu, which climbed 2.2 percent to HK$121.80. Pop Mart International, a blind-box toymaker, advanced 3 percent to HK$221.80, while food-delivery giant Meituan rose 0.4 percent to HK$80.30. However, some companies faced declines, such as Tencent Music Entertainment Group, which dropped 22 percent to HK$44.72 after its fourth-quarter results missed expectations. Electric-vehicle makers BYD and Li Auto also saw declines, with BYD falling 2.2 percent to HK$102.20 and Li Auto slipping 6.2 percent to HK$66.85. The rally in Hong Kong markets followed a rebound in U.S. stock indices, where the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 posted gains, extending their upward trends. Meanwhile, oil prices stabilized after a slight drop, with Brent crude falling about 1 percent to trade below US$102 a barrel. The decline came after Iran confirmed the death of a senior security official, which raised concerns about regional stability.#hong_kong #hang_seng_index #alibaba_group_holding #baidu #pop_mart_international

Hong Kong stocks edge higher as oil steadies, tracking Wall Street gains Hong Kong stocks rose for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, following gains on Wall Street, as oil prices stabilized after a sharp overnight drop. The recovery in energy markets eased concerns over inflation and geopolitical tensions, providing a boost to local equities. The Hang Seng Index closed up 0.1 percent at 25,868.54, having earlier surged as much as 1.6 percent during the session. The Hang Seng Tech Index, however, fell 0.1 percent. On the mainland, the CSI 300 Index declined 0.7 percent, while the Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.9 percent. E-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding gained 0.5 percent to HK$134.60 after announcing the launch of an artificial intelligence platform for businesses. Smartphone and electric vehicle maker Xiaomi rose 0.5 percent to HK$35.36, while carmaker Geely surged 4.6 percent to HK$18.84. Blind-box toymaker Pop Mart climbed 3.2 percent to HK$215.40. Some stocks faced pressure, with search-engine operator Baidu falling 3 percent to HK$119.20 and EV battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd declining 3.3 percent to HK$648. Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group, Hong Kong’s largest retail stock brokerage, soared 47 percent to HK$13.60 after confirming that an Ant Group-led takeover had received regulatory approval from Chinese authorities. The deal is set to conclude by March 30. In the U.S., major stock indices climbed on optimism that more oil tankers would navigate the Strait of Hormuz safely. The S&P 500 Index gained 1 percent, the Nasdaq rose 1.2 percent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.8 percent. Brent Crude prices stabilized at around US$102 per barrel on Tuesday morning, having dropped 2.9 percent the previous day.#hong_kong #wall_street #hang_seng_index #csi_300_index #shanghai_composite_index

Asian Stocks Drop Amid Oil Price Surge Asian stock markets opened sharply lower on Monday, driven by a sharp rise in oil prices and concerns over economies reliant on Middle Eastern energy imports. South Korea’s Kospi index fell over 7.8% or 437 points to 5,147, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 6.6% or 3,683 points to 51,937. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also declined, losing 2.4% or 626 points to 25,131. The sell-off followed a surge in global energy prices, with Brent crude oil surpassing $118 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rising 30% from Friday’s close of $90.90. The spike in oil prices, now at its highest level in 14 years, has raised fears of economic strain, particularly for nations dependent on energy imports. The last time oil prices exceeded $100 was in 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Analysts attribute the recent surge to worries that Middle East tensions could disrupt oil exports from the Persian Gulf, a critical hub for global energy supplies. The rise in energy costs is intensifying pressure on economies already grappling with inflation and trade barriers, including higher tariffs on exports to the United States under former President Donald Trump. The impact of sustained oil prices above $100 per barrel is expected to be severe. Investors are concerned about the combined effects of slowing economic growth and high inflation, which limit the Federal Reserve’s ability to address both challenges simultaneously. Wall Street showed signs of unease ahead of the week, with the S&P 500 declining 1.3% on Friday after data revealed a rise in U.S. job cuts. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell as much as 945 points before closing down 453 points, or 0.9%, while the Nasdaq composite dropped 1.6%. The U.S.#japan #south_korea #hong_kong #brent_crude_oil #us_west_texas_intermediate

China Took His City. And Now His Father Sebastien Lai, the son of Jimmy Lai, discusses his father’s arrest and sentencing for his role in the 2019 Hong Kong protests. Jimmy Lai, a prominent journalist and publisher, was sentenced to 20 years in prison this month for his involvement in the demonstrations, which were marked by widespread civil unrest and a crackdown by Chinese authorities. The protests, which began in June 2019, were fueled by demands for greater autonomy and democratic reforms in Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous territory under Chinese sovereignty. Jimmy Lai, who founded the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, became a symbol of resistance during the protests. His arrest in 2019, along with hundreds of other activists, was part of a broader campaign by the Chinese government to suppress dissent. Sebastien Lai, in an interview, recounted his father’s early life, which shaped his political awakening. Born in mainland China during the communist era, Jimmy Lai experienced extreme poverty and famine as a child. He later worked as a laborer, transporting goods for wealthy individuals traveling between mainland China and Hong Kong. A moment of luxury—a piece of chocolate given to him by a stranger—left a lasting impression, prompting him to flee to Hong Kong in search of a better life. In Hong Kong, Jimmy Lai found a sense of freedom and opportunity, though he often reflected on the hardships of his past. He described his first visit to the city’s markets as overwhelming, filled with abundance that contrasted sharply with his experiences in mainland China. These stories, passed down to Sebastien, were initially framed through a lens of hope and resilience. However, as he grew older, Sebastien began to grasp the deeper struggles his father faced during those formative years.#hong_kong #jimmy_lai #apple_daily #sebastien_lai #2019_hong_kong_protests

Jimmy Lai to Forgo Appeal Against 20-Year Jail Term for National Security Charges Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai has decided not to challenge his 20-year prison sentence for collusion with foreign forces and sedition, according to his legal team. The announcement, made by his domestic lawyer on Friday, marks the conclusion of a protracted legal battle that has drawn global scrutiny. Lai, 78, the founder of the defunct pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, was one of the most prominent critics of China’s Communist Party leadership. His case, which spanned nearly five years, culminated in a February sentencing after he was convicted in December on two counts of conspiring to collude with foreign entities and one count of publishing seditious material. The decision not to appeal was confirmed by a member of Lai’s legal team, who spoke to Reuters under anonymity. The lawyer stated that Lai’s instructions are clear and definitive, with no intention to contest the conviction or the sentence. The ruling has faced criticism from countries including the United Kingdom and the United States, which have condemned the verdict as politically motivated. Separately, Fung Wai-kong, the former editor-in-chief of Apple Daily’s English edition, filed an appeal against his 10-year prison term in the same national security case. Lai’s family has raised concerns about his deteriorating health, citing years of solitary confinement and pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, heart palpitations, and hypertension. They have warned that his prolonged incarceration could lead to severe health complications. Human rights organizations and democratic nations have consistently called for Lai’s release, with U.S. President Donald Trump addressing the issue during recent talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.#hong_kong #jimmy_lai #apple_daily #feng_wai_kong #national_security_law