Brief

Hong Kong astronaut Lai Ka-ying will join the Shenzhou-23 mission to China's Tiangong space station, marking the first time a researcher from the city participates in a national space flight. Chief Executive John Lee stated this participation highlights China's high regard for Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent. The mission is seen as a historic moment for Hong Kong's aerospace ambitions, contributing to national development as part of China's 15th five-year plan. AI

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, stated that the number of ride-hailing vehicle licenses will be determined by the city's unique conditions and the need to maintain passenger experience. A mechanism will be established to monitor market operations and data, allowing for dynamic assessments and reviews of quotas. This comes after Uber warned that a cap of 15,000 vehicles could lead to higher fares and more failed ride requests, while some taxi groups opposed even a few thousand licenses. AI

Hong Kong is intensifying its focus on Central Asia, with Chief Executive John Lee leading a large delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to explore business opportunities. This strategic pivot aims to bolster Hong Kong's role as a professional services hub for Belt and Road Initiative countries and facilitate deeper cooperation in areas like digital finance and AI. Kazakhstan, in particular, seeks to leverage Hong Kong as a fundraising hub for renminbi capital and enhance institutional and technological integration. AI